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Civil War Kerr Revolver With PICS
jbw1776
Member Posts: 3,056
OK, I'm selling this for a fellow and of course I have a story that goes with it, but I'm completely lost on this one.
Story: This pistol belonged to Capt. Coale of the Confederate Army who spent 4yrs as a prisoner and died shortly after the wars end. (What I was told by owner)
What I know: Pistol is marked CAPT. COALE on the left stock. It's a percussion single action revolver approx .45cal. Has British proofs with a serial number of 2043. No other markings visible. Odd "side lock" hammer.
I have found several mentions of a Coale in Civil War records/artifacts but nothing that really stands out as "proof" during my quick search. (Any help on where to search/contact would be great also)
What is this pistol? (Any info or point me in the right direction)
It's going on GB eventually, any idea what it could be worth (with and without proof of ownership)?
As always thanks![8D]
Ben
Story: This pistol belonged to Capt. Coale of the Confederate Army who spent 4yrs as a prisoner and died shortly after the wars end. (What I was told by owner)
What I know: Pistol is marked CAPT. COALE on the left stock. It's a percussion single action revolver approx .45cal. Has British proofs with a serial number of 2043. No other markings visible. Odd "side lock" hammer.
I have found several mentions of a Coale in Civil War records/artifacts but nothing that really stands out as "proof" during my quick search. (Any help on where to search/contact would be great also)
What is this pistol? (Any info or point me in the right direction)
It's going on GB eventually, any idea what it could be worth (with and without proof of ownership)?
As always thanks![8D]
Ben
Comments
As far as that goes, the revolver might have indeed, seen Confederate use. I believe that the London Armoury Company was one of the British firms who supplied the Confederacy with arms.
I wouldn't be in any great hurry to sell the revolver. If the connection with the London Armoury Company and the Confederacy can be substantiated, likely the revolver would be worth quite a lot of money to a collector.
no hurry to sell, just trying to get some info together first to try and get the most out of it for the owner.
You've given me what I need to further my research, thanks.[8D]
Ben
From what I've found, the Kerr revolver was mfgd between 1859-66. "Today it is generally accepted that Confederate purchases span from 1150 to the 9900 serial number range", which this one would fall into.
All marking WERE there, most gone, but some barely visible where they are supose to be. The grip is stamped JS over the anchor, faintly.
Having the hardest time with the name stamped (not carved) into the grip. Having doubts on what it actually is. Not 100% sure it says COALE, the last two letter are hard to make out, as are the last two on the top.
Does anyone know of a collector site/forum that would specialize in this particular pistol?
Thanks
Ben
http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/confederate-kerr-revolver-3.htm
I could really use some help on where to start with trying to match up the name. Anyone know of a good place/databank for info regarding confederate records??
Ben
OK, I think I have the revolver just about figured out.
I could really use some help on where to start with trying to match up the name. Anyone know of a good place/databank for info regarding confederate records??
Ben
Flayderman's Guide has a section on Confederate Arms, with a extensive bibliography. Seeing that the Kerr is worth in the thousands, it seems to me, that it would be worth your while to make an effort to acquire some of these books. My 2?.
I could really use some help on where to start with trying to match up the name. Anyone know of a good place/databank for info regarding confederate records??
Ben
Ben,
You may want to contact the Sons of Confederate Veterans organization. They have access to quite a few Confederate records.
http://www.scv.org
From: The National Parks Service "Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System"
Capt. Stephen D. Coale (Only Capt. Coale listed in Confederacy)
5th Mossouri Infantry
Company G
Fought seven major battles and was captured at his last at Port Gibson. "Still in the hands of the enemy" according to the last Muster Roll.
This would verify the story given to me by the owner I believe. Still have a lot of geneology research to do, as well as send off for original copies of his records, but this is a good start I believe.
Sorry for the large images.
Thanks for the help.[8D]
Ben