Spiller & Burr
By John Sexton · Originally published January 2018 · p. 22
Dear John: I found the gun on Facebook Market Place. I went and met the guy at Waffle House in Oxford, Ala. We took the gun inside Waffle House to look at it. I offered $275. But I had to buy for $300. This happened on Nov. 13, 2017. Gun was found by the guy’s brother in a house in Alabama and he sold it to his brother for $250. Is this gun an original Confederate? Greg Fayetteville, Ga.
Greg with his Nov. 13, 2017, purchase off Facebook. Note that it is in a 20th century holster so somebody was probably still using this gun. Dear Greg: Not only is your gun an original, it is the lowest serial number known on a Spiller & Burr revolver made at the Atlanta Pistol Factory owned by Edward N. Spiller & David J. Burr. They later sold the factory to the C.S. government and it was moved to Macon, Ga. This gun is most interesting in that the serial numbers are 4 and 5. Serial number 5 is found on the barrel, frame, and trigger guard; serial number 4 is found on the arbor and loading arm. The highest known serial number on a Spiller & Burr is 1248; now the earliest known numbers are 4 and 5. The cylinder is not serial numbered as with most Spillers, but does show the distinctive twist. The frame also appears lighter and is possibly a reused first model of which few exist. The gun has “CS” inspector mark on right side of frame which marks production into the standard range, circa 1864. This gun has seen hard use and some restoration, but not by a professional gunsmith. The barrel is 6 ¾” instead of the standard 7,” and from the placement of the smashed cone front sight, we can tell that the barrel has been cut about ½” from the muzzle end showing no crowning. The loading assembly also has been modified with the last inch or so cut. An odd-designed stud now holds the arm in place through a newer-constructed catch with a corresponding hole for the stud. One grip on this gun is original, though not serial numbered; the other was carved later. Most screws have been replaced. The hammer screw, loading arm pivot screw, and arbor key have been replaced with large iron pins An excellent text on Spiller & Burr Revolvers and the pistol factory if readers have further interest is Colonel Burton’s Spiller & Burr Revolver: An Untimely Venture in Confederate Small-Arms Manufacturing, 1996, by Matthew Norman. Regardless, a professional antique firearms restorer could make this gun quite presentable and, even with the odd screws that are holding it together today, there is no doubt you made a good investment. Even in this very soft collector market, I have little doubt this gun in auction would sell for at least $4,000-5,000, “as is/” It might surprise because of the one-digit serial numbers and bring considerably more. John is an certified appraiser with International Society of Appraisers specializing in Civil War memorabilia. He authenticates and evaluates other rare and valuable historic items as well. His website is www.civilwardealer.com. He is coauthor of the book Confederate Bowie Knives (2012) by Jack Melton, Josh Phillips and John Sexton, that was published by Mowbray Publishing Inc. Send “Ask The Appraiser” questions and photographs to [email protected].
CS surcharge in correct position on frame. Note the bending of the top strap and the gap between frame and barrel on this lighter frame which must have been reused. Left: The pistol also came with a 19th century scissormold, but it appears to be larger caliber than the .36 caliber Spiller. Ironically, this is the second rare Civil War object I have seen come from “Facebook Market Place.” James Julia Auctions sold a very rare, one of only two known Merrill conversion, Virginia manufactory rifles that was also bought from Facebook for a similar $300. It sold as Lot 1295, Oct. 31, 2017, for $6,900. I might have to get a Facebook account.
Full views of the Spiller & Burr. The right grip is recarved, but appears quite old. Note the tacking marks on both grips, en suite. Serial #5 stamped on butt and is the only external number visible.
