Who bought the R&S?

[Homesteader]

The discussion about the Rogers & Spencer revolver in another thread got me to pondering... This percussion revolver wasn't available to the public until 1901 from what I've read. By this time CF ammo had been around for decades, and there were plenty of proven wheelguns and even auto-loaders.

So who bought the R&S's? And why, do you think? :hmm:

Speculation is fine by me, though any documentation trumps of course. I'm just really curious about this. It seems a lot like the question that pops up around here from time to time, about using a percussion revolver for self defense. Seems kinda nuts if modern arms were available. :idunno:

 

[Zonie]

Remembering the Civil War was over only about 36 years before 1901 I'm sure a number of people were interested in owning some small part of it.

Most of them wouldn't have had any idea that the pistol was not issued (in large numbers) and although I don't know what Bannerman's wanted for these I'm sure it wasn't much.

There are quite a large number of them still around and they are usually in unfired condition.

Even in 1901 there were also collectors around who would buy up old Civil War items for their collections.

Of the roughly 5000 that Bannerman bought, according to "Flayderman's Guide" he sold them all in just a few years.

the 2008 Flayderman's Guide says you can buy an original Military marked R&S for $1,750 (very good) or $4,000 (excellent).
The civilian (unmarked) version can be had at $1,500 (very good) to $3,500 (excellent).

 

[Poor Private]

I have some documentation that at least 1 is known to be used in the civil war. They were released in limited numbers. At least 800 were sold to the public during the war. Ok I went and found the documentation I have.
The info came from "Antique Arms, Inc."
Inside of one of the grips indicates clearly that the gun belonged to Edward Lambert of the 30th Reg. of the Mass. Infantry. He aquired the gun sometime after 1863 perhaps in 1864 when the 30th returned to Wash D.C. from La.
The left grip is reads: E.Lambert Vol. 30Mass carried this revolver thru aug. 15,1866.
this is best guessed as 1 of the 800 that were sold commercially , out of a production of 5800 of which the govt. bought 5000.
There is more info but it's about the 30 Mass, and Lamberts war records. So I guess if you wish to carry a R&S during a civil war event you can because there is documentation to back it up.
This is information that I found and downloaded to print on 12/17/2007.
t

 

[CaptainKirk]

Right...I posted that link in the "Wheelguns" thread:
http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/rogers-spencer-revolver.htm

But now remember; we're taking this guy's word for it.

 

[Berkley]

Of the roughly 5000 that Bannerman bought, according to "Flayderman's Guide" he sold them all in just a few years.

The 1927 Bannerman catalog no longer lists Rogers & Spencer revolvers for sale, although plenty of other "powder and ball" weapons were still available. The listing for Whitney navy revolvers gives a good idea of Bannerman's sales pitch:

Pleasant, instructive, and cheap - that pretty well sums up their appeal today :thumbsup: .

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Twenty dollars in 1927 would not have been a great bargain.

 

[Poor Private]

Right...I posted that link in the "Wheelguns" thread:
http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/rogers-spencer-revolver.htm

But now remember; we're taking this guy's word for it.

Sorry about that, I have been sick since thrusday morning and things are still kinda fuzzy around the edges.

 

[CaptainKirk]

Hey, no problem with duplication! That way, more people get the word!

 

[Berkley]

Twenty dollars in 1927 would not have been a great bargain.

My Eighth Edition of Flayderman's Guide lists values of Whitney navy revolvers in the $575-1400 range. If you know of one selling for $250, shoot me a PM. :wink: