We recently acquired a small collection of items that came from the family of Captain George W. Brown. Brown enlisted as a Private in Company K, 72^nd Indiana Infantry on July 23, 1862. He served with his company until he was sent to the hospital. While there he got an infection in his hand that left his right arm useless. Refusing to take a discharge Brown was assigned to the Quarter Master Department until he was sent home on recruiting duty in November of 1863. While on this duty he was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant and later to Captain. He was present in all the actions of 1864 and 1865 and was known to carry his right arm in a red silk handkerchief.

The 72^nd Indiana served as infantry until October of 1863 when as part of the Brigade of John Wilder they were made into mounted infantry. They were armed with Spencer carbines and moved fast hence the name “Lightning Brigade.” The regiment served throughout the Atlanta Campaign.

Leather holster is in good condition. Leather is supple and formed to the shape of the Moore revolver that has been housed in it for years. There is some moderate surface wear to the edges of the flap and around the finial hole. The finial is not just a knob of brass rather it is a short bar approx. 1.00-inch long with an upturned knob. It is held to the holster by two matching rivets. Very clearly scratched into the surface of the holster flap is “CAPT. G. W. BROWN, CO.K 72 REGT. IND. INF. 1861-1865.” Back of the holster has a single, wide loop held by two brass rivets.

The pistol is a Moore single action belt revolver with a 5.00-inch barrel and seven shot cylinder. The frame, cylinder and barrel have been chromed. Frame still has excellent scrollwork design. Ejector rod under the barrel is missing. Chrome plating is chipped along barrel and in two spots on the cylinder. Action holds full and half cock. Barrel and cylinder rotate to right for loading. Barrel marking of “D. MOORE PATENT SEPT. 18, 1860” is very sharp. Cylinder does not lock at full cock. Bore is dark and dirty with light pitting. Grips are in good condition. Back strap has initials “G. G. W.” Initials do not match Captain Brown but this is the pistol that came from the family and matches the outline on the holster.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!