INSCRIBED GETTYSBURG COLT REVOLVER...
One of the most significant and rare Gettysburg artifacts ever to surface. This
Model 1862 Colt Police Revolver is not only in fine condition (40% original blue
and case color) it is also inscribed on the back strap with the owner's name
and home town "Joseph Broadhead / Gettysburg, Pa."
The owner of this fine Colt was Joseph Broadhead who served in the Gettysburg
Zouaves in 1862 and 1863 and who with his unit left Gettysburg just before the July 1863 battle to
investigate reports of Confederates west of town in the direction of Chambersburg.
Broadhead and the Zouaves were chased off post haste by the seasoned rebs...
winding up in Harrisburg and then walking home to Gettysburg just in time to
see the Rebs enter the town. During the battle itself Broadhead remained with
his wife in town...
The Zouaves had been organized early in the war but were fully mobilized first during the Antietam campaign when Lee invaded Maryland in September of 1862.
Broadhead made the rank of Lieutenant in the Gettysburg Zouaves at that time.
It is recorded that he was a good friend of John Burns and
a prominent Gettysburg citizen. I don't know if I've ever seen a Gettysburg
residents gun ever offered for sale previously... and this one is as fine as
you could hope to find.
The history accompanying this historic weapon is truly wonderful. If you will
watch the Ken Burns Civil War Series and view the episode on Gettysburg you
will find that Sarah Broadhead's incredible diary is quoted throughout the PBS
series... She is none other than Joseph Broadhead's wife!
Accompanying the spectacular piece is a wealth of research from Gettysburg
newspapers, Sarah Broadhead's diary, personal accounts, etc... There is even
a modern copy of a war date CDV of Joseph so we know what the owner
looked like. Truly exciting and historical.
The gun is NRA Fine+ condition retaining over 40% original blue and case
color. It is 100% original and complete... mechanically perfect... has all
matched serial numbers.... original varnish on the grips and silver plate on the
brass... and is beautifully inscribed on the back strap "Joseph Broadhead /
Gettysburg, Pa."
Call for more information... (419) 842-1863 weekdays 11am to 5pm eastern
time zone.
