Lot 1160

Very Scarce Civil War Era Butterfield Army Model Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Very Scarce Civil War Era Butterfield Army Model Revolver

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Scarce Civil War Era Butterfield Army Model Percussion Revolver Approximately 640 of these Butterfield Army Model revolvers were manufactured in 1862 by Jesse Butterfield of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, per "Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition". These are considered by collectors to be a secondary U.S. martial handgun since they were manufactured in anticipation of an unrealized government contract that was believed to have been for 2,280 revolvers. With no contract awarded, production was limited to approximately 640 revolvers. It is equipped with a special disc priming device loaded by loosening a thumb-screw in front of the trigger guard. The top strap is marked "BUTTERFIELD'S/PATENT DEC 11. 1855/PHILADA". Matching visible serial number "458" on various components including stamped on the butts of the grips. Factory blue finished barrel and cylinder, with a silver plated frame, casehardened loading lever and hammer, and varnished walnut grips.

Manufacturer: Butterfield Jesse

Model: Army

BBL: 7 inch octagon

Gauge: .41

Finish: blue/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number458

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good, retains strong traces of original blue finish concentrated on the bottom of the barrel with brown patina on the balance, traces of original silver finish visible in some of the protected areas, light pitting, and attractive darkened golden aged patina on the fine brass with sharp address markings. The refinished grips are good, with dents and scratches, repairs, and mostly clear stamped numbers. Mechanically functions. A solid example of a desirable Butterfield revolver!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000