Colt Single Action Revolver serial number 126905 manufactured 1888. With the revolver is a statement from the great great grandson of General Pryor stating that this was his revolver. Barrel marked Colt's Pt Fa Mfg. Co. Hartford, Connecticut. On the left side is the 3 line patent marking(1871, 1872 and 1875. Hard rubber grips with the rampant colt, eagle and shield design. Very little of the original finish remains with the metal parts retaining a darkened finish. The action operates properly with no known defects.

Roger Atkinson Pryor was born on July19,1828 in Petersburg, Virginia and studied law in his early career and was admitted to the Virginia Bar 1848. Health problems forced him to retire from his law practice. Shortly after he worked in journalism and was the editor of the Washington Union and later the Richmond Enquirer. Later he was appointed by president Franklin Pierce as a special United States Minister to Greece. After returning from Greece he went to work as an newspaper editor in Washington DC. In Washington he was an outspoken Southern States Rights supporter which resulted in him fighting in several duels. In 1859 he served in Congress representing Virginia's 4th District in the United States House of Representatives. He left his political office in early 1861 and was in Charleston, South Carolina for the bombardment of Fort Sumter. It is stated that he was offered an opportunity to fire the first shot but declined. Early in the war he was appointed Colonel and later Brigadier General. He was active in the battles around Yorktown, The 7 Days battles around Richmond, 2nd Bull Run and Antietam where he briefly assumed command of Richard Anderson's Division when Anderson was wounded near the Sunken Road. Later coming into conflict with Jefferson Davis he resigned his commission and reenlisted as a private in the Confederate Cavalry serving under General Fitzhugh Lee. He spent most of his time serving as a special intelligence scout and as a courier until he was captured by Union forces in November 1864 and was confined for most of the remainder of the War as a Prisoner.

After the war General Pryor moved to New York city where he practiced law and later serving as a Judge. He passed away on March14,1919 at the age of 90 and is buried Princeton, New Jersey.

Print email to a friend