Seeking information on a Revolver in our collections. It appears to be an 1858 New Model Army .44. The only markings on the gun is a serial number on bottom flat of the barrel - either 43831 or 48831. No maker's address on top of barrel (is it supposed to have one?). Any help appreciated.
David Beard
Oops! Closer inspection shows very faint address in barrel. Also a possible S inspector's mark.
It should have the makers name on the top of the barrel. You should also find the serial number under the left grip frame and on the tag of the trigger guard when removed. Jay Huber RSA
Thanks Jay. Since this is in a museum collection, the curator is loath to disassemble the piece or clean too thoroughly. It does have faint traces of the three line address on top of barrel. I would assume that the number under the grips is the same as the one on the underside of the barrel?
If you will remove the grip and get the right serial I will be glad to provide a manufacture date. Doesn't sound like a museum quality piece. Jay Huber
I still doubt that the curator will disassemble the piece, but thanks for the help anyway. However, you are confusing "collector" quality with "museum" quality. The museum value of any object is its association, in this case a famous local person who carried it in the Civil War.
Thanks Jay! We in the museum business have to be very fussy with our collections. Were it my own piece, I would have had the grips off in a heartbeat and all of the grunge and grime wiped away.
