1860 Colt Army, Spencer Carbine and Saber

[kanemono]

This group consists of three weapons (carbine, pistol, and sword) that date to the war service of Sgt. William H. Armstrong of Troop B, the 1st NY Mounted Rifles (NYMR). The 1st NYMR was in service during the entire war from July 1861 to July 1865. The Regiment fought in 116 actions. William Armstrong enlisted as a Pvt in Troop B on Oct 1, 1861 in New York City. He served the entire war, being promoted through the ranks from private to 2nd Lieutenant. He mustered out in July 1865 in Richmond, Virginia. At the end of the war soldiers were given the opportunity to purchase their weapons. Many members of the GAR had their weapons nickel plated to be worn during parades. Both the Spencer carbine and Colt Army pistol have engraved German silver plaques applied to the pieces indicating ownership and service details. The engraving on the German silver plaques appears to date to just after the Civil War to commemorate Armstrong’s service. All three items have an extremely old coating of dull nickel plating that is beginning to darken with age. The combination of the nickel coating and German silver plaques suggest that the items have been together a long time. The model 1860 4 screw Colt .44 caliber Army percussion pistol has the barrel near the muzzle worn down from years of holster wear. There is an approx. 3” long German silver plaque inset and tacked into left grip that reads “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. The group’s Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber is maker marked by “Emerson & Silver / Trenton, NJ”. Blade is “US” surcharged with inspector’s stamp “J.M.”. No date can be seen, but the original leather washer is present and is hiding the date. “J.M.” inspector mark is also present on the sword’s hilt capstan. Scabbard is old gray nickel with selected darkening and light rust. The Model 1860 Spencer carbine, SN 57xxx, is a late war carbine. Government documentation shows that the 1st NYMR were issued the Spencer carbine right near the end of the unit’s service replacing their Sharps carbines. This carbine has been nickel-plated with all exterior plating having turned a pleasing dark rust patina. Carbine’s federal inspector marks (two sets near the ring bar) are showing and can be seen, but are beginning to fade. Rear sight appears to have been missing for some time. On the carbine’s left side of the stock is inset a German silver plaque engraved “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. This is a very unique, fully identified weapons grouping to a single soldier that served in the mounted service through the entire Civil War. The drawing of Armstrong shows him in his GAR uniform holding the sword.

[spagg]

Wow, that is just incredible that these have stayed together all these years. Wonderful find! Congrats!

[Brian Dentino]

Wow, wow, and wow!  Just another fantastic group for us to drool over!  Great history, nice write up, and amazing items.  Dick, does your collection for historically significant and rare items have an end, or is it nearly infinite?  I have seen some of the most amazing and jaw dropping groups you have posted on this forum over the years and still they just KEEP coming.  Another great thread......thanks for posting it for us to see here once again!

[Backtheattack]

Fantastic! All together after so much time!