Product Description
BRIG GENERAL ROBERT BODINE 26 PA STARR 1863 ARMY Revolver CIVIL WAR Antique
With Rare Gaylord Leather Field Holster!
Here we present an antique Starr Arms Co. Model 1863 Army Single Action Revolver, made in New York City circa 1863. This revolver bears the initials “RB” and oral tradition has it that this was the sidearm of Brevet Brigadier General Robert Bodine of the 26th Pennsylvania Regiment, one of the first 3-Year Regiments formed. Robert had grown up farming, attending the local school, and drilling with his local volunteer militia in Bucks, called the Pennsylvania Blues. In 1860, Robert and Kate Bodine and their 2 children lived with Robert’s father in Doylestown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania where Robert worked as a liquor agent. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861. About a month and a half later on June 1, 1861, Robert enlisted for 3 years in Company D, 26th Pennsylvania Regiment. He advanced rapidly due to his acumen and reliability and was promoted to Commissary Sergeant on June 3,1861. On August 21, 1861, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant with Company K, 26th Pennsylvania Regiment; promoted to Captain on January 14, 1862; to Major on July 15, 1862; to Lieutenant Colonel Oct 28,1863; to Colonel Feb 20, 1864; and to Brevet Brigadier General on March 14,1864. His regiment mustered out on June 18, 1864. After the war, he was a member of his local G.A.R. or Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans organization. In July 1866, he was appointed Consul to Cape Town, South Africa, but shortly after resigned due to some disagreement with the unpopular President Andrew Johnson’s policies. In March 1867 he was appointed as flour inspector by Pennsylvania Governor Geary at which he worked until March 1873. He passed away at the rather early age of 42 January 16, 1874, in Philadelphia.
The Battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg were just some of the actions in which he fought. At Chancellorsville he commanded his regiment in the absence of his superiors. For his actions at Gettysburg he received a special commendation from General Joseph Bradford Carr.
See the web address below as well as the photos for an excellent summary of Brevet Brig. General Bodine’s life and military career, especially during the American Civil War.
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~bodine/genealogy/n18847.html
This revolver comes in a scarce “E. GAYLORD / CHICOPEE / MASS.” holster. Gaylord was one of the largest suppliers of military supplies to the Union Government and held many contracts. This holster was made to fit both the large older dragoon revolvers and other large frame revolvers, like the Starr Single Action revolvers.
The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is excellent and crisp. The bore is dim and patinated with worn rifling. The grip is marked as described above and the right side was made flat long ago. The holster is intact with some old repairs but is delicate. A fantastic piece of Civil War history!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 8 inches.
Caliber: .44 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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www.ancestryguns.com
$3400
#230643