This Model 1860 Colt .44 Army revolver is identified by serial number, 140451, to Rollin W. Drake, a corporal in the 7^th Indiana Cavalry, which was formally organized in October 1863, received 1,200 Colt Armies, 1,200 sabers, and 1,000 Merrill carbines late that month, and left the state for Tennessee in early December. Drake served with the regiment until the end of the war, mustering out in late August 1865. During that service they were in numerous engagements in Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri. CWData lists 25 points at which they took casualties in some form and during their service, losing 1 officer and 47 men in killed or mortally wounded alone, which is pretty high for a cavalry outfit.

The pistol shows lots of use and efforts to keep it functional, but rates good for condition. The metal is gray and shows handling dings and some vise marks overall. The serial numbers match and the markings are generally legible although the right of the barrel address is marred by dings and the lower line of COLTS PATENT on the left frame is rubbed. There is no cylinder scene, but the serial number line and small patent line beneath it are legible and small sub- inspection letters are visible. The nipples show corrosion and wear, but not battered, though one shows a split at the top. The forcing cone shows some dings and gouges, likely from an attempt to knock the barrel assembly forward in disassembling the pistol. The wedge is in place, but there is a slight gap between the barrel assembly and frame on the underside. We also note that the loading assembly is loose and can be removed without unscrewing the rammer from the lever. This might be due to wear of the teeth of the détente on the underside of the barrel or a bend to the rammer, but since the pistol is identified we have left it as it came to us, though some minor, competent, gunsmithing might do wonders. The grips show small dings and as is often the case, a number of dings on the buttflat, but the color, surface, and fit are pretty good.  Mechanics function well.

Rollin W. Drake had been born in Erie County, PA, in 1840 or 1841, but by 1850 his family had moved to Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, where his father worked as a joiner. The 1860 census lists his father as farmer, and Rollin as a farm laborer. He married in September 1861, and enlisted in the army two years later, listing his residence as Noble, on 9/1/63, perhaps receiving a bounty- his wife was expecting a child by that point so the money may have played a part. He mustered into Co. M of the 7^th Indiana Cavalry as a corporal 9/19/63 and served until the war ended, mustering out 8/26/65.

“The Union Army” offers a summary of the regiment’s service: “It moved with a force on Dec. 24, into Mississippi to cut off Forrest in his retreat from Jackson, Tenn., being in a brisk skirmish with his forces near Paris.  It was engaged in a sharp fight at Egypt Station, Miss. and in a severe battle near Okolona, Feb. 22, 1864.  The enemy drove the Union forces from the field, but the 7th cavalry held the enemy in check and saved the train after the division had fled.  Later, it made a saber charge saving a battery that had been abandoned, but was compelled to retire, with a loss of 11 killed, 36 wounded and 37 missing.  It was complimented by the commanders for its valor. It was stationed near Memphis for some time, engaged in scouting.  Moving with Sturgis' forces upon Forrest, the enemy was engaged at Guntown, Miss. in heavy force, a desperate fight ensuing, in which the 7th took part. It was again complimented by Gen. Grierson for having repulsed repeated charges by superior numbers. It was on railroad guard duty near Memphis, being in a fight at La Mavoo, Miss., Aug. 18, and had 7 men killed near Memphis, Oct. 4, by guerrillas. Leaving Memphis in Nov., 1864, it marched with Mower's division through Arkansas in pursuit of Price's forces, proceeding as far as Cape Girardeau, where it took steamers to St. Louis, marching into the interior of Missouri. Returning to Memphis, it took part in an expedition in search of Forrest surprising his dismounted force at Vernon, capturing the camp and a large quantity of stores, 16 cars loaded with pontoons for Hood's army, and 4,000 new English carbines. On the 28th the enemy was attacked at Egypt Station, his forces captured or dispersed and a train of 14 cars destroyed. The regiment was actively engaged in scouting and on provost duty near Memphis until June, 1865, when it moved to Alexandria La., and on June 21 was consolidated into six companies.”

The regiment finished its service in Texas, mustering out 2/18/66. Drake returned to Kansas, where he shows up in 1870 as a farmer in Swan, KS, with wife, son Charles, age 6, and daughters Minnie and Clara. In 1880 he is in Harper, still a farmer, but with a family consisting of his wife along with five daughters and two sons, ages 1 to 13., where in 1882 he is listed as a teacher and member of GAR Post 61. Drake’s wife died in the 1890s and he remarried 1898. By 1920 he was at the state soldier’s home at Fort Dodge, and outlived his second wife also, dying at Kingman, KS, 4/20/1926.

This is a solidly identified Colt army carried in a cavalry regiment that saw active service. According to Charles Pate (The Colt Model 1860 Army,) in discussing a Colt from the 7^th Indiana that was captured at Okolona, Forrest himself called the regiment’s charge at Okolona, made with the 4^th Missouri to cover the Union retreat, “the grandest cavalry charge I ever witnessed.” [sr] [ph:L]

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