I would like to spend some of my Social distancing time "learning up" on US 19th century "cavalry pistols". I am not about to be picky and I know this will mean completely different things to different people. That is ok, that is part of it, also I am a cartridge guy, so cartridge reproductions are welcome. Pictures are also most welcome to aid in our viewing pleasure. Does anyone have a US 19th century "cavalry Pistol" they are willing to show us? Any recommended books on this topic (other than a book on Colts)? Thanks in advance. Rick

Well, I think you're asking for genuine 19th century cavalry pistols and all I have are 20th century replicas so I'll just wait to see some fine pictures.

"Cavalry pistols" can mean a great deal to different people but Colt Walker models should qualify as do Colt SAAs and a whole lot of models in between. So we should see some really cool vintage guns!

__________________
Come and take it!!

Here is mine:



173 years old and shoots as good as the day it was made. Here’s a thread I made about it:

smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/604057-172-years-young-m1842-horse-pistol.html

These are horse pistols or officer's pistols. They got that name because they were used by officers of the British army. The officers were mounted, and the pistols were carried in holsters that straddled the horse's withers.

This pair of pistols are in military caliber - .75 (used a .69 ball), the same as the Brown Bess. They were made in London about 1800.

You can see them in more detail here: Brace of Joseph Egg Officer's Pistols

Flayderman's Guide will show examples of about any American "horse pistols" ever used from the Revolution onward and full descriptions. Foreign ones, I don't know info sources. Many countries used them.

Remington 1858 New Model Army. One of 4620 pistols shipped to US, contract date November 21, 1863. No finish, trace of proof on stocks.

Hummm for Ctg Horse Pistols its : BP Frame SAA, Or SW 4th Mod or M@P ( to 1941), ... On the Frontier 1880+ the SW Russian was also beloved.

Remington Army Model and Colt 1861 Army models and later pistols are on a smaller frame, and use a lighter powder charge. The last of the US horse pistols are the "Dragoon", which was made by Colt and several other companies. One of the rarest is a iron framed Dragoon bad by a Civil War armory in Texas, 100 made, 3 known to still exist!

The south also used a French revolver called the LeMatt that was huge, 9 shot 40 caliber plus a 16 gauge smooth bore in the center. The gun was big but the revolver charge was only 19 grains of FFFg. Most went to cavalry units (probably less than 500) Some went to the CSN, and at least one CSA General carried one on his waist!!

Springfield Arsenal made the single shot 58 cal., true horse pistol until the late 1840's-early 1850's. I'm sure there are many contractor provided pistols from the Revolution on! I agree Flayderman's is the best easy source of info and there are prices based on condition (while now worthless for real value, they give an idea about how one condition values to another!)

All of my large Colts, Remingtons and LeMatts are repros and not worth viewing in this context.

Ivan

My only 19th century cavalry pistol, 7.5" Stampede.

Attached Images

	IMG_1220.jpg (104.4 KB, 20 views)
	IMG_1221.jpg (96.7 KB, 17 views)

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

Here's a old one
1816 North Flintlock mfg in Berlin, CT by Simeon North.

Attached Images

L1040592.jpg (38.0 KB, 19 views)

.............these guys pictured by the Artist Andy Thomas.

Guerrillas | Fine Art | American | Presidential | Civil War | Andy Thomas

Check out his other historical themed art, from the Revolutionary War to the shooting of John Dillinger outside the Biograph theater.

Back to the Southern Guerrillas. Many accounts of them and their tactics are avalible to read both in books, articles and on the net.
Be sure to read about the Battle of Centralia, epic use of multiplie revolvers by a mounted force against mounted Infantry armed with muzzleloading rifles.

The Battle of Centralia

Some accounts tell of Guerrillas armed with 6 or 8 revolvers on their person and saddle holsters.

I think it started as a Missouri reload long before the NY one.

__________________
LEX ET ORDO

Here is a 1st generation Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Colt. According to John Kopec it was issued to the 8th Cavalry.
It came to me in very sad condition and I had David Lanara restore it.