Description
5/15/26 - This is a rare and desirable Colt Cavalry Single Action Army revolver from 1874. The gun is mismatched, "US" Property marked on the frame, and has mixed martial markings throughout. This particular gun was used in the Spanish-American War and is attributed to William C. Hardigan of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment during service in Puerto Rico. The 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized during the Spanish–American War and served in the U.S. campaign in Puerto Rico in 1898. Raised from Massachusetts militia companies, the regiment deployed to Puerto Rico as part of General Nelson A. Miles’ invasion force, where it performed occupation duty, patrols, and security operations during the final weeks of the war. Although the Puerto Rican campaign saw limited major combat, the soldiers endured difficult tropical conditions, disease, heat, and exhausting marches. Like many volunteer units of the war, the regiment suffered more from illness than enemy action before returning home and being mustered out of service in 1899.
William's Initials appear in several places - carved into the left grip panel, carved onto the back of the holster, carved into the leather on the inside of the top flap, and written on the inside of the holster as well. Also carved into the back of hte holster is "Porto Rico", which is how many spelled it during that period. It's a bit hard to read, but also written on the inside of the holster is "Co. E. Sixth Mass, USV. UMC". The Listing includes a copy of Frank E. Edwards' "The '98 Campaign Of The Sixth Massachusetts, U.S.V. (1899)" Book. Listed in the roster (on Page 307) is William C. Hardigan.
Overall, the gun is in nice condition for its age. There is honest brown "attic" patina covering the majority of the frame, cylinder, and grip straps. Some of the original case-hardening is just barely visible in the crevices of the frame. The majority of the bluing on the barrel still remains. There is a series of small dings on the bottom edges of the grip panels, likely from gun being used as a hammer in the field (common). The bore has great rifling for its age, but there are areas of obvious heavy pitting. Fully functional with all four "clicks". No FFL required.
