2020 September Premier, Volume I

144
LOT 144
Rare Confederate Rigdon, Ansley & Company Percussion Revolver - Serial no.
2352, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/bright finish, walnut
grips. Only approximately 1,000 Confederate government contract Rigdon, Ansley &
Co. revolvers (also often referred to as Rigdon & Ansley revolvers) were manufactured
in Augusta, Georgia, from 1864 to 1865 after the dissolution of Leech & Rigdon in
1863. The company was run by Charles H. Rigdon, Jesse A. Ansley, Andrew Smith and
Charles Keen. After producing Leech & Rigdon revolvers, the company transitioned
to this improved model which has twelve cylinder stops instead of six stops, similar
to those used by Manhattan. Like the Leech & Rigdon revolvers, these are among the
most well-made and desirable of all Confederate handguns. The production quality
is certainly not up to par with the revolvers produced by major companies in the
North, but they are certainly quality and serviceable firearms. Like most Confederate
revolvers, the basic design of the revolver is the same as Colt’s Model 1851 Navy. The
barrel is part octagon, part round like Colt’s Dragoon revolvers. It has a brass post
front sight, “C.S.A.” on the top of the barrel, groove on the hammer for a rear sight,
horizontal wedge latch on the loading lever, “W” on the left side of the trigger guard,
and the matching serial number “2352” on the loading lever, wedge, cylinder, barrel,
frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The iron components have
dark patina and moderate pitting. The frame is rough on
the left side and has some dried oil. One of the nipples
is damaged. The trigger guard and back strap display
deep aged patina, and the front trigger guard screw
is not securing the trigger guard. The revarnished grip is
also very good and has moderate lower edge wear including some
chipping at the toe, and mild scratches and marks. Mechanically fine. This
rare Confederate revolver would be an excellent addition to any Civil War or antique
revolving arms collection.
Estimate: 18000 - 27500