Another Historical Colt Single Action Army

[Rick Bowles]

I've been working for over a year on the history of this 1887 US Cavalry Model Model and it's 1881 issue Cavalry Holster. As a Virginian I was intrigued with the inscriptions on the butt (Col. G.W. Taylor) and the back strap (4th Va. Regt.). Colonel George W. Taylor was from a very prominent family here in Norfolk, VA. He was the commanding officer of the 4th Virginia Volunteer Regiment in the Spanish American War (1898-1899). Of the four volunteer regiments that Virginia sent to the conflict, the 4th VA was the only one to actually get to Cuba, though only as part of the occupation forces. Colonel George Taylor was born in Norfolk, VA and he, like the rest of his family, is buried there.

George Washington Taylor was one of six siblings. George's older brother (by 15 years) was Walter Herron Taylor. Lt. Col. Walter Herron Taylor was the chief adjutant and Aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee throughout the Civil war.
This revolver is featured on pages 144-145 of John Kopec's "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers... a Continuing Study".

We are continuing to gather information but to date we believe that this Colt Single Action Army revolver #119926 may have been inscribed and gifted to Col. G.W. Taylor
by his older brother Walter Herron Taylor.

This famous photo, taken at Lee's home in Richmond, VA
after the surrender, shows Lee's son G.W.Custis Lee on
the left and Walter Herron Taylor on the right.

 

[StrawHat]

Thank you for sharing this information.

Kevin

 

[Watchdog]

What a wonderful bit of a history lesson! I could read about stuff like this all day. And the revolver appears to be in remarkable condition. Compliments on your work documenting this old revolver.

 

[Ranger514]

Love history and mysteries. Here's something that has a story that may someday be told.

Winchester Model 1873 Rifle Recovered in Great Basin National Park - SASS Wire - SASS Wire Forum

 

[Rick Bowles]

As a follow up on this interesting revolver, the Virginian Pilot is doing a feature piece on the Colt and the Colonel.
The reporter found this photograph from 1911.

 

[kennyb]

very cool stuff...I'm a huge civil war buff...

 

[Rick Bowles]

This is a Span-Am revolver but his older brother was R.E. Lee's adjutant Walter Herron Taylor.

 

[stringpicker]

I love seeing the history of old guns, especially something like this one.