This is an incredibly rare Civil War revolver, with less than 2,000 manufactured. It was the design of Austin Freeman and manufactured by Hoards Armory in Watertown, New York. From the get go they were plagued by problems, even AFTER receiving a Government Contract to produce the revolver. There were financial problems, but most troubling was the fact the initial delivery was rejected by Government Inspector as 2nd quality. They continued on and eventually made @2,000 revolvers. Sadly in bankruptcy again, many were just sold in markets for next to nothing. The fate they had was to be sold to individuals and States. One Freeman was sold to Ohio , and Captain Weavers Independent Mounted Company. It was carried until August 4th, 1865 when they were mustered out. It remains a keepsake in a family to this date. It had many features to offer, for instance the cylinder could be removed without moving the loading lever ! Today the original bright blue finish is present , with about 98% of it remaining. The loading lever and hammer still have their case colors present. The grip varnish is still 100% present .

ALL factory applied markings are present, and it is 100% mechanically correct, and operates as it did in 1862. ALL parts are the original parts. The case is a golden oak and remains in excellent condition, the lining shows some fade and wear but no too bad. The grips are really very fine Walnut with a bright luster and NO damage.

The images to the right show the unique patented cylinder release slide, which allowed the cylinder to be quickly removed and replaced without moving the loading lever. A rare collector opportunity !!!

PRICE $ 6,350

ALL case accoutrements are present, rare bullet mold !

In the mid 1870's the demand for large frame frontier revolvers was at it's zenith. All the major manufacturers were making them, and Forehand & Wadsworth did not want to be left out. Primarily a maker of "pocket" size revolvers they designed and made their first large caliber big frame, and this is it. Introduced in the mid 1870's in a quantity of LESS than 1,000 revolvers. They are hardly never encountered by the collector today, and when found, most are in derelict condition. This example, Serial No. 124X is one of "THE" very finest. It has 99.999% of all the original factory applied nickel plate. It has softened, ( not bright and shiny) and been UNTOUCHED, and remains all original. ALL factory applied markings, such as barrel address, serial numbers etc.. are present and vividly clear. Mechanically it is in PERFECT working order, in ALL phases of working operation. It is really enhanced by the presence of ORIGINAL Mother of Pearl Grips. The grips have the vibrant colors only natural age of 135 years plus can create. The frame is marked with a California Bear stamped on it, which recently has been discovered as a "trade marking" used by a selling dealer in the old San Francisco area of 1870's California. The mark was used by Vellegia & Slotterbeck  Arms, a dealer in firearms, and high grade shotguns.

If you are a collector of F&W's, or a collector of Frontier Revolvers from the old west expansion era, this is a rare chance for the 1st Model, a.k.a. "old Model" army to collected. In nickel, you would be hard pressed to find a better example! PRICE $5,250

This Forehand & Wadsworth "Old Model" Army comes with it's original holster.