26.  Civil War Union General John Ward’s Personal Smith & Wesson Revolver
 
General John Henry Hobart Ward (1823-1903) enlisted in the army at age eighteen. He worked his way up the ranks from Private to Sergeant Major from 1842-1847, and took part in the siege of Fort Brown. He was wounded at Monterry, and met his future wife at the capture of Vera Cruz. Commissioned colonel with the 38th New York Volunteers after the outbreak of the Civil War and became a Brigadier General on October 4, 1862. Campaigned at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, wounded at Gettysburg. Relieved of command in 1864 for “misbehavior and intoxication in the presences of the enemy during the Battle of the Wilderness,” but honorably mustered out in July 1864.
 
Superb “Smith and Wesson Springfield, Mass” marked revolver belonging to Union General and Gettysburg hero John H. Ward. Gold plate with engraved initials “JHHW” behind trigger. Beautifully finished walnut grips feature Ward’s two gold stars with engraved “U” and “S”. Smith & Wesson serial number 27290 stamped to bottom of grip. Patented April 3, 1855, July 6, 1859 & Dec 18, 1863 stamped on the cylinder. Octagonal barrel.
 
Condition Report: Identified as one of the finest Civil War era Smith & Wesson revolvers in private hands, not to mention its pedigree as a Civil War artifact from an important Union General
 
Size: 10.8 in. overall (27.4 cm.)
 
Provenance: Gary Hendershott Museum Consultants

Estimate: $35,000 – 50,000

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