All metal surfaces are gray with only light scattered mottling. All serial numbers match except the wedge which is blank. Serial number of “77912” shows that it was manufactured in 1862.

Round .44 barrel is 8.00 inches long and shows some very nice holster wear near the muzzle. Front blade sight is present and the top of the barrel has a very strong marking of “ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” Bore has good rifling but is dirty and needs cleaned. Area around the wedge pin shows small scattered indentations and the wedge screw shows light wear.

Six shot cylinder has all original nipples in good condition. Pin stops are hammered down. Cylinder scene is about 70% present. Action works properly however the cylinder does not always spin free at half-cock. Sometimes it locks up. Frame has three screws with lightly worn heads and the left side has a worn marking of “COLT’S PATENT.”

Triggerguard is showing all brass while the iron grip strap matches the rest of the weapon. Wood grips are in good used condition. Both sides show a faint but visible military inspector’s cartouche. Left side has small old chip near heel. Bottom has had a small hole bored on each side of the frame for attaching a lanyard.

With the weapon is a black leather holster with a split side seam. Despite the split the holster is holding its form. Plug is gone allowing the muzzle of the pistol to peak through the bottom of the holster a bit. Brass finial is present and the flap and latch tab are solid but missing their surface finish. Reverse has a complete loop anchored by three rivets.

Ordnance record of the 16^th Pennsylvania Cavalry show that Colt revolver serial number 77912 was issued to Julius C. Wells of Company C.

Julius Charles Wells was born on April 7, 1844. He enlisted as a Private in Company C of the 16^th Pennsylvania Cavalry to serve three years on August 15, 1862 and was mustered in at Erie, Pennsylvania the following September 6. He was present with the regiment during its fight at Hartwood Church on February 25, 1863 but became ill sometime in March or April and reported sick to the hospital. He remained there until November or December when he was assigned to detached duty at “the dismounted camp” where he would remain till the wars end.

In September of 1864 Wells' horse slipped and fell. Wells was thrown against the pommel of the saddle where he says “I received a rupture.” Wells was transferred to the 238^th Company, 1^st Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps, Provisional Cavalry. His disability was listed as “hernia.” He was mustered out at Washington, D.C. on June 26, 1865.

After the war Wells moved to Buffalo, New York where he was an active member of the Col. Lytle Post of the G.A.R.

Julius C. Wells died May 23, 1906 and buried in Hope Cemetery, Cranesville, Erie County, Pennsylvania.  [AD]

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