Remington-Beals Navy Revolver and Confederate Currency John R. McMillen, 12th Consolidated Tennessee Infantry / SOLD
Early War Remington-Beals .36 caliber “Navy” revolver and collection of Confederate currency owned by John R. McMillen, who enlisted as a sergeant in the Confederate 12th Consolidated Tennessee Infantry in June 1862 and appears on existing muster rolls for the regiment as late as March 1864. The 22nd Tennessee Infantry Regiment consolidated with 12th Tennessee Infantry Regiment on June 16, 1862 to form 12th Consolidated Tennessee Infantry Regiment. It fought at the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, then joined the Army of Tennessee and served from Murfreesboro to Bentonville.
According to the family, from whom the lot was directly purchased from, the revolver was found by John R. McMillen on the Wilderness Road in southeastern Kentucky. Passing through Cumberland Gap, the Wilderness Road was one of the two principal routes used by colonial and early national era settlers to reach Kentucky from the East. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces used the Wilderness Road. An early battle (Camp Wildcat) stymied the first Confederate attempt to seize control of neutral Kentucky. The Cumberland Gap changed hands four times throughout the war. Southern troops used the road for marches into Virginia. General Ulysses S. Grant came down the road for the Union campaign in Tennessee in 1864.
Remington’s first .36 caliber revolvers under the Beals patent were produced during late 1860 or early 1861. By the time Beals pattern revolver production ended in 1862, some 15,000 of the “Navy” sized handguns had been produced, the majority purchased by the U.S. government for the Civil War. McMillen’s Remington-Beals Navy has a tight, crisp action that functions well on all positions. The top of the barrel has the two-line address “BEALS’ PATENT SEPT 14, 1858 / MANUFACTURED BY REMINGTONS’ ILION N.Y.” The bottom of the barrel has the serial # 2601. All iron surfaces have a slick, uncleaned plum patina with typical sings and scratches from use. The five remaining cylinder nipples are original and in fair condition. The brass trigger guard has a deep, uncleaned brass patina. The loading lever latch, spring, and pin are long missing but could be easily replaced if desired. The two-piece walnut grips are original and in good condition with typical wear. About ¼” of the hammer sprue was broken off long ago. Overall, an attractive, untouched specimen that shows many years of honest use.
The revolver is accompanied by a collection of Confederate currency kept by McMillen. The lot includes a $100 note printed in Richmond and dated July 24, 1862, a $10 Richmond note printed on February 17, 1864, a $20 Richmond note printed on September 2, 1861, and two Richmond $50 notes from September 2, 1864, serial numbered 29004 and 29047. All are in circulated condition, with some significant loss to the bottom left corner of the $20 note.
This fresh-to-market identified Confederate grouping has great character and would make a great addition to any Civil War collection.
J R. McMillen - Enlisted on 6/16/1862 as a Sergeant. On 6/16/1862 he mustered into "K" Co. TN 12th Cons Infantry.
Comes housed in a 14 x 20 inch display case with black velvet backing and descriptive card.
Inventory Number: GRO 064 / SOLD