This is a Raphael revolver, the name the U.S. government applied to the Pidault-Cordier Model 1860 revolvers bought through the dealer George Raphael, 106 of them in September 1861 for Civil War service. It is chambered in 11 mm with a 5 7/8-inch barrel and an overall length of 10 1/2 inches. Unlike the plain government contract guns, this example is heavily chiseled and fitted with ebony grips carved in floral and tendril patterns against stippled backgrounds, and the seller believes it was made for a special purpose. Condition is excellent.

The loading system is one of the features that makes the design unusual, and the quality of the chiseling and grip carving sets this piece apart from martial examples. For a Connecticut collector of Civil War era arms it is a display and study piece, not a shooter. The seller catalogues it as an antique handgun; confirm with your Connecticut dealer how a piece of this age is handled before you order.

Key features

• Pidault-Cordier Model 1860, U.S. martial contract pattern
• 11 mm, 5 7/8-inch barrel, 10 1/2 inches overall
• Chiseled decoration, carved ebony grips
• Excellent condition, deluxe example

We ship it to the Connecticut FFL dealer you name, who handles whatever paperwork applies to an antique handgun before release.