FINE LATE PRODUCTION RIGDON ANSLEY REVOLVER WITH LONG COLLECTION HISTORY

FINE LATE PRODUCTION RIGDON ANSLEY REVOLVER WITH LONG COLLECTION HISTORY

01-24693
Cal. .36
S# 2233

This Confederate revolver made in Augusta, GA is among the last few hundred Confederate revolvers made late in 1864, early 1865. This revolver is featured in my article on Rigdon & Ansley revolvers in Military Antique Collector Magazine 2024, vol. 2. The last 400 Rigdon revolvers were different than the earlier production with large serial number dies which started at about S# 1900 along with having solid non-spring wedges. There is pair of engraved initials “D. R.” engraved in butt strap, probably by soldier who carried it. There are about 50 surviving late Rigdons with these features and this example is one of the best authentic complete examples.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of recent Military Antique Collector magazine featuring this revolver. CONDITION: very good overall, fine for Confederate revolver, no finish, sharp edges, serial numbers matching on all parts normally numbered, except arbor which is not numbered and was replaced, otherwise, all original including screws. There is small casting flaw on left side of frame, almost identical on S# 2231 & 2252, two of the other known late production survivors. Mechanics fine, good rifled bore. PROVENANCE: William Albaugh purchased from Robert Hess June 1954; Norm Flayderman catalog #68; Jan Reifenberg collection; Matt Verdery collection ~2000.

STATUS: ANTIQUE