Description
11/21/24 - This is a Colt Model 1849 Pocket Pistol, manufactured in 1862, and verified as the service weapon of decorated Major Nathan Stoodley, used during the Civil War. It is engraved with its owner's name on the backstrap, and "Peterboro N.H." on the butt. Mechanically well preserved, both timing and lockup are excellent on this example. The gun itself is in great condition for its age and usage, though minimal bluing or case hardening remains, the metal retains sharp edges, markings, and a well-defined stagecoach robbery cylinder scene. Traces of case hardening remain along the frame's lower and rear edges. The brass along the backstrap, butt, and trigger guard has developed a rich patina, with some silver remnants in recessed areas. The bore shows fairly strong rifling, but is heavily oxidized throughout. Fitted with an excellent set of tight fitting grips, with minimal handling marks and no major chips or cracks. This listing includes photocopies of attribution tying this weapon to Stoodley through service records, and thorough documentation of Stoodley's prolific service career.
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Born March 9, 1823, Stoodley was a shoe manufacturer when he enlisted as a private on August 9, 1862. He organized the 130-man "Company G" of the 13th New Hampshire and was promoted to captain on September 27, 1862, after serving in several major engagements, including Fredericksburg, DrewryÄôs Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Fort Harrison. The regiment, part of the 9th, 7th, 18th, and later 24th Corps, suffered significant losses, with 5 officers and 84 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. Stoodley himself was wounded during the Battle of Providence Church Road in May of 1863, and narrowly escaped injury from an exploding shell at Suffolk. At Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864, he attempted to rally his men by having them sing ÄúRally Round the Flag.Äù His daring assault on Battery Number Five at Petersburg saw him and a small group of men scale a 40-foot embankment, capturing four guns and 200 prisoners. During the Fort Harrison campaign, he commanded the regiment after the wounding of its major, leading them through intense fighting with heavy casualties (55 of 187 men). Stoodley was promoted to major on October 28, 1864, and served until the regiment mustered out on June 21, 1865, in Richmond, where he acted as division officer of the day during President Lincoln's visit. After the war, Stoodley resumed the shoe trade in Reading, Massachusetts, where he became a boot and shoe dealer and was appointed postmaster in 1891. Active in organizations like MOLLUS and the G.A.R., he passed away in Reading in 1904.
