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| Price: |
$3,850.00
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| Sale Price: |
No Price
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| Availability: |
in stock |
| Prod. Code: |
IR99 |
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This Smith and Wesson Number 1 revolver rates near fine for overall condition, with about .40% original finish overall, with the barrel assembly showing only shifting to gray with dark gray spotting on the left barrel flat, but with sharp barrel markings, good blue on the cylinder, .90% or better silver on the frame and backstrap, excellent grips, and a really nice engraved script identification on the backstrap. The silver shows just a little wear, revealing the brass at natural points of handling: the top of the frame at the hinge, the lower points of the frame around the trigger, and a little on the backstrap. The grips have great color, finish and a tight fit to the strap and frame. The serial number is #24121 and the pistol falls into the standard second model. The inscription on the backstrap is professionally done in script and reads: “A. S. BEMENT CAPT. CO. 55 REGT. O.V.” He initially enlisted as corporal in Co. B, obviously a holding position, since he was commissioned Captain on 10/10/61. The regiment organized at Camp McClellan in Norwalk from October through December for three years’ service and left the state January 25, 1862, being posted first to Grafton, Virginia, and then New Creek, where it took part in the struggle for the states western counties, which became West Virginia. The regiment took part in the expeditions to Romney and Moorefield, both extended marches in snow and in April joined Schenk’s Brigade at Moorefield, part of the Mountain Department under Fremont. In May it supported a battery in reserve at the Battle of McDowell and took part in other campaigning in the Shenandoah, being present at Cross Keys, though not engaged. In June it became part of the 1st Corps in Pope’s Army of Virginia and was present, but in reserve at Cedar Mountain in August. The regiment saw its first serious fighting at Second Bull Run, where it fought on Bald Hill reportedly engaging and holding off Hood’s troops, before joining the general retreat, losing 14 killed, 16 wounded, and 21 missing out 540 going into action according the regimental history, but 18 killed and 36 wounded according to CWData. In September it joined the 11th Corps Army of the Potomac. It did not take part in the Battle of Fredericksburg, but was on the “Mud March” and then remained in the camps near Falmouth until Spring. Bement tendered his resignation at Stafford Court House in early 1863 for “private reasons” and was discharged to date 3/16/63. Whatever the reason, he rejoined the army in mid-1864, mustering in as Lieutenant Colonel of the 164th Ohio on 5/11/64 in Cleveland. This was a 100-day regiment organized at Camp Cleveland as of that date, and composed of the 49th Regiment and the 54th Battalion of the Ohio National Guard, implying that Bement may have rank in one of those units. The regiment left the state for Washington on May 14 and served through August in the 1st Brigade, DeRussy’s Division, of the 22nd Corps, where they were assigned as garrisons to Forts Smith, Strong, Bennett, Hagerty and other posts on the south side of the Potomac. They saw some excitement, but apparently no casualties during Early’s attack on Washington on July 11 and 12, returned to Ohio in late August, and were mustered out in August. Bement was a member of the Charles T. Foster Post 42 GAR, and died in that city 12 May 1893. This pistol is a nicely identified pistol typical of those carried as a personal side arm by officers, whose responsivity was to govern their men in action rather than engage in personal combat. The Smith and Wesson was a handy little pistol, light and convenient to carry, firing .22 caliber rimfire ammunition that was impervious to rain and foul weather. It might not do much on the battlefield, but it could make an opponent close-up think twice. From my personal collection.
A lengthy folder accompany this historic revolver.
