Inscribed Colt Brevet Navy of 1st Lt. H.J. Giltinan 73rd PA Infantry - KIA at Chancellorsville

American Civil War

.36 caliber. 7.5" octagonal barrel. SN: 14198. Blued finish, brass backstrap and triggerguard, one-piece walnut grip. Single action percussion Belgian-made copy of a Colt Navy revolver with six-chambered smooth round cylinder, likely produced by L Ghaye who worked in Liege ca1855-1866. Barrel marked in two lines COLT/PATENT. Matching serial number 14198 on the frame, barrel and triggerguard. Butt numbered 63, rear face of cylinder numbered 6. No number on loading lever or wedge. Cylinder roll engraved with the Liege version of the Texas Ranger scene and marked with Liege proof mark, face of cylinder and forcing cone marked LG. Standard brass post front sight and notched hammer nose rear sight. Backstrap engraved: 1st Lieut. H. J. Giltinan Co K 73d Reg/P.V.

Henry K Giltinan was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B of the 66th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on July 1, 1861. The 66th PA was never fully organized and was rolled into the 73rd PA Infantry soon after organization began. Giltinan was promoted to 1st lieutenant on July 25th 1861 and was moved to K company of the newly organized 73rd PA. On September 9, 1862 he was promoted to Captain and given command of the company. The 73rd PA spent its initial service in the defenses of Washington, and in March of 1862 moved to the Shenandoah Valley where it participated in Pope's Virginia Campaign. The regiment fought at Cross Keys and 2nd Manassas before returning to Washington. The regiment was part of the miserable "Mud March" in the winter of 1862-63. In the spring of 1863 the regiment was stationed at Welford's, Kelly's and Beverly's Fords before embarking on the Chancellorsville Campaign with the balance of the Army of the Potomac. At Chancellorsville the regiment lost 12 killed in action and 21 wounded, as well as 1 captured and 1 missing. Among the dead was Captain Giltinan who was killed on May 3.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg