Offered here is an outstanding piece of Civil War history: a commercial Colt Model 1851 Navy percussion revolver inscribed to a documented Union officer. Its condition alone makes this Model 1851 most desirable, but the addition of its historical significance places it in an elite category of Civil War arms collectors dream about owning. Manufactured in 1862, the revolver has the one-line New York barrel address, “COLTS/PATENT” stamped on the left side of the frame and naval battle scene on the cylinder. The barrel and cylinder have a high polish commercial blue finish, the hammer, frame and loading lever have vivid case colors, and the brass grip straps are plated in silver. Matching serial numbers are found on the barrel, frame, front grip strap, back strap, cylinder, loading lever and cylinder pin. The wedge is numbered to the gun (“27080”) but also has the number “8534.” The number “2” is stamped below or above the serial numbers found on the frame, barrel, trigger guard and back strap. The inscription on the back strap reads, “To Major Hill, 45th Regt. O.V.I” (Ohio Volunteer Infantry). Accompanying the revolver is extensive research related to Joseph Hill, Jr., the Civil War officer whose name is inscribed on the back strap. This research includes census records, military records and secondary source material that provide a vivid and well-documented biography of Joseph Hill (1824-1896). Hill, whose father was a War of 1812 veteran and a farmer, was born in Concord, Ohio, found steady work in the railroad business and listed his occupation as a civil engineer in the 1860 Census. In the mid-1850s, Ohio Governor Salmon P. Chase appointed Hill to his staff as a colonel in the Ohio State Militia. A major accomplishment under Chase’s tenure as governor (1855-1859) was the reorganization and strengthening of the state militia to which Hill certainly played a role in achieving. When the Civil War broke out, there was a pool of well-trained militiamen ready to join the Ohio Volunteers for the Union cause. In the spring of 1862, Hill was commissioned as a major in the 45th Ohio. Around this time, the revolver was likely obtained by Hill, possibly as a gift commemorating his commission. On November 16, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Hill was with the 45th when they participated in operations against Confederate forces in Kentucky from December 1862 through April 1863. In early December 1862, Hill commanded four companies of the 45th to guard Buckley’s Ferry on the Kentucky River. From February 18th to March 5th 1863, the 45th participated in operations against Colonel Roy Stuart Cluke’s Confederate forces. As a mounted regiment and brigaded with the 7th Ohio Cavalry and 10th Kentucky Cavalry, the 45th took part in operations against Confederate General John Pegram’s forces at Dutton’s Hill on March 30th. The 3-5 hour skirmish cost the 45th one killed and one wounded, but their efforts helped push Confederates back to the Cumberland River. Hill resigned his commission citing “private business” needing his “immediate attention” in a letter to Major General Burnside on April 11, 1863. His immediate commander wrote, “I know of no person who can fill Lt. Col. Hill’s place and I part with his services with regret. By his resignation the service loses a faithful and competent officer.” He was formally discharged on April 17, 1863. The 1870 Census shows Hill as a successful farmer in Urbana, Ohio. By then, he was the father of five children. Ten years later the 1880 census indicates Hill had moved his family to Logansport, Indiana, and had reentered the railroad business as his occupation was listed as superintendent for the Pittsburg, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad (also known as the Pan Handle Route). Written in 1881, “The History of Champaign County, Ohio” bestowed Hill with the following accolades, “Col. Joseph Hill, of Logansport, Ind., who for many years has been Superintendent of the Pan Handle Railroad, is a native of Concord Township. His aptness and ability as a civil engineer brought him into notoriety as a railroad man, hence the responsible position he occupies today. He controls over four hundred miles of railroad, and handles the rolling stock of the same with the same ease that characterized his early life.”

Very fine. The barrel retains 75% plus original blue finish (most of the loss is on the right side likely from storage) and the cylinder retains 70% original blue finish with high edge wear and smooth brown patina on the balance. All of the cylinder scene remains. 90% vivid original case colors remain on the loading gate, hammer and frame. 20% original silver plating remains in and around the protected areas (heavier near the trigger), otherwise the brass has an attractive patina. The grip is also excellent with minor dings and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. This high condition, historically significant and documented Civil War officer owned Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver is a must have for any serious Civil War collector. It is worthy of the most advance private or public collections.