In November of 1861, Edward Spiller of Baltimore, Maryland and David Burr of Richmond, Virginia, along with Lt. Col. James Burton contracted to make revolvers for the Confederate Government. The factory was first set up in Atlanta, Georgia. The first guns were completed in December of 1862. The First Models proved unserviceable and a Second Model began production in the spring of 1863. Spiller & Burr continued production until January of 1864, when the C. S. Government bought them out and moved the armory to Macon, Georgia. The armory was closed permanently in December of 1864 due to pressure from Sherman.

During its short life-span, approximately 1,500 revolvers were completed. Number 920 is shown here. It was made or finished at the Macon, Georgia Armory in April of 1864. The revolver is extremely well marked; the serial number 920 is stamped into the butt strap, the center pin, the underside of the barrel, the frame, the trigger guard and the loading lever plus the CS stamping on the frame’s left side. The serial number 920 is penciled into the underside of each grip. Additionally, the frame has the double L cryptic. All of the stampings are clear and crisp.

The revolver is in perfect working order, and with the exception of the Whitney arbor lock (which was probably done at the time since the revolver is so complete and fine) and two screws, it is one hundred percent original. The grip stocks are tight. The brass frame has a beautiful natural patina. All of the iron parts are smooth and have remarkably sharp edges as does the brass. Even the butt edges remain sharp and there is only one minor ding in the butt. It has original blue scattered throughout. The lines are crisp and sharp.

Overall this is one of the very best Spiller & Burr revolvers in existence, and with its beautiful untouched patina, one of the most attractive.

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