Description
12/02/24 - This Colt Pocket Model 1849 revolver manufactured in 1863, chambered in .31 caliber, featuring a six-inch barrel. This example belonged to documented Civil War Lt. Andrew Jackson Horton of the 85th Illinois Infantry, and bears his original, hand-engraved inscription on the backstrap and butt. The markings include a union shield and his unit designation ÄúLt. Horton 85thÄù with ÄúIll. Inf." engraved on the backstrap. The revolver remains in good condition, reflecting its service while preserving its historic character. The original blue finish on the barrel and silver wash on the brass are absent, and there are areas of pitting here and there on the barrel, receiver, and cylinder. Markings are mostly crisp, but the stagecoach scene has faded somewhat, and the "Colt Patent" marking has smoothed and become less distinct. Mechanics are functional, but suboptimal. The loading lever catch spring is weak, cylinder lockup has some give to it, hammer is slightly loose on pullback, and the timing is off. Bore still has pronounced rifling, but is heavily pitted throughout. The grips are excellent, but do show show minor handling marks and edge rounding, with one small ding on the bottom of the right panel. Notably, the revolver's matched serial number dates its production to 1863, coinciding with HortonÄôs promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. This listing includes photocopies which thoroughly document Horton's service history and record.
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Born in Ohio in 1835, Horton moved to Illinois with his family in 1853. Enlisting in August 1862, he joined Company H of the 85th Illinois Infantry, a regiment that saw extensive action in the Western Theater. Captured during a skirmish near La Vergne, Tennessee, Horton spent four months as a prisoner of war before his exchange in March 1863. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and likely purchased this pistol, as officers were required to provide their own equipment. Horton rejoined his regiment in time for the grueling campaigns of 1864, including battles at Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, and Peachtree Creek, suffering heavy casualties in several engagements. The regiment played a critical role in ShermanÄôs Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign, culminating in the Battle of Bentonville and the capture of Raleigh. Horton was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1864, and later commanded Company B during the warÄôs final months. After participating in the Grand Review in Washington, the regiment was mustered out in 1865. Following the war, Horton returned to his Illinois farm, where he became a respected community member, serving on the county board and in local offices. He lived a long life, passing away in 1933 at the age of 98, and is buried alongside his wife in Fulton County. This revolver is more than a firearm; it is a relic of Civil War history, intimately tied to a Union officer who witnessed some of the war's most decisive campaigns. It stands as a testament to the personal and collective sacrifices of the soldiers who served.
