Civil War Model 1863 Starr Percussion Single Action Revolver carried by Major George Wilson of the 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serial number 37957, featuring an 8″ barrel with a .44 caliber bore. This is a martially marked revolver with matching serial numbers. All of the factory lettering on the metal is sharp and the one-piece walnut grip shows light wear with a partially legible inspector’s cartouche on the left side and the right side having only a trace. The mechanism is in perfect working order and the metal retains over 80% bright factory blue with most of the finish loss on the grip straps. The bore is bright and the chambers also retain most of the factory blue. The hammer retains most of the original case colors with those on the front of the loading lever turning gray. Provenance: Rebel Relics.
On November 12, 1861, George Wilson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Co. B of the Wisconsin 15th Volunteer Infantry, and he ascended through the ranks until being promoted to major in 1863. Fighting in twenty-six engagements during his more than three years of service, Wilson was wounded at Stones River in 1862 and Chickamauga in 1863. The regiment suffered heavy casualties at Chickamauga and Major Wilson assumed command of the 15th Wisconsin until July 1864. In 1885, Wilson was one of the veterans hired by the government to write histories of Wisconsin’s Civil War regiments. This revolver would be difficult to improve upon.
