Lot 113
Rare Double US Navy Inspected Whitney Navy Revolver
Sale 2030 - Arms, Armor and Militaria
Oct 23, 2024 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati

Estimate
$1,800 - $2,400
Lot Description
Rare Double US Navy Inspected Whitney Navy Revolver
American Civil War
.36 caliber. 7.5" octagonal barrel. SN: 28596. No finish remaining, brass triggerguard, two-piece smooth walnut grips. Single action percussion revolver with six-chambered un-fluted cylinder, frame notch rear sight and brass post front sight. Top of barrel marked E. WHITNEY/N HAVEN and with a small {ANCHOR} US Navy re-inspection mark where the barrel meets the frame. Face of cylinder with the P/GG inspection of US Navy Commander Guert Gansevoort who was the naval ordnance inspector at the Brooklyn Navy Yard circa 1860-1862 and in 1865. Matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, cylinder arbor pin, rear face of cylinder and in left grip. No number present on the frame or in the right grip. Many Whitney Navy revolvers saw service with the Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the last couple of years of the American Civil War and as a Brooklyn Navy Yard inspected example, this gun likely did as well. Based on the known serial numbers of Whitney Navy revolvers inspected on December 8, 1864 at the Washington Navy Yard, which end in the mid-26,XXX range, this gun was likely delivered at the very end of 1864 or in early 1865 as Gansevoort returned to inspection duties in New York. From the Collection of Charles Worman, co-author of the two volume set Firearms of the American West. A scarce example of a cylinder inspected US Navy Whitney Navy, much less common than the FCW inspected naval arms which Frank C Warner inspected at the Whitney factory.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
From the Collection of Charles Worman
Condition Report
Good. Bore good, moderately oxidized with some pitting and decent rifling. Metal with a mottled oxidized gray patina with scattered surface roughness, age discoloration and some scattered areas of light pitting. Markings legible on barrel, no scene visible on cylinder. Arbor catch retention screw an old replacement. Mechanically functional action. Grips with moderate wear, lightly sanded and showing scattered bumps, dings and mars.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
Search