This is a unique gun. It is a W.L. Evans Model 1826 Navy contract pistol in original percussion configuration to begin with, evidenced by its original percussion lock without all of the holes associated with a flint lock. Its rarity is compounded by the fact it was further altered in the Confederacy by defacing the lock and barrel of all markings, a trait of Thomas Adams' Confederate contract manufactory. The only markings left are the C.I. inspector markings on the top of the barrel and on the top left of the stock, typical of W.L. Evans manufactured M1826 pistols. The inside of the unknurled hammer is marked with XII, and the inside of the lock at the bolster support is marked XIIII with two punchmarks. The lock flat is marked with three punch marks in a triangle shape. The underside of the barrel is marked with crude chisel cuts VIIII and three punch marks in a triangle shape next to a B. Under the backstrap is a chisel-cut II and a B. The barrel channel of the stock is marked with IIIIV and the stock baxkstrap channel is marked with II. These are not original manufacturing markings and are unique to the alteration process of a number of Confederate manufacturers, but particularly of Thomas J. Adams. The belt hook on the left side is an altered original that has been ground to a sharp point. Mechanics are perfect and the condition is at least fine overall with no damage or missing parts. The effacing of the lock and barrel, the unknurled hammer, and the Roman numeric marking system are all indicative of Confederate repair and alteration. The original percussion lock of the M1826 Navy contract pistol is a rarity seldom seen, but coupled with the Confederate handling and markings, the rarity is compounded to the point of of one of a kind status.
This conversion shows the typical Fayetteville Arsenal style hammer and drum bolster. As shown in the book Confederate Rifles & Muskets by Murphy and Madaus, this drum conversion was used on the rifles that the Confederates converted at the arsenal shortly after it was seized by North Carolina forces in April of 1861. Later, and probably as a result of the repeated bursting of the thin-walled drum bolster, the pistol conversions utilized a bolster with a cleanout screw. The musket conversion ceased altogether when the arsenal began manufacturing their own brand of Model 1855 rifles using the machinery from the captured Harper's Ferry manufactory. This style of conversion is more scarce than the more commonly seen cleanout screw variety, but the distinctive S-shaped hammer design remained essentially the same as long as the pistol conversions were done at Fayetteville. The hammer is marked with a serifed 29, and the stock is marked with the same style 29 to the right rear of the barrel tang. There are numerous other conversion markings on the inside of the lock and the underside of the barrel, consisting of slash marks and numbers, typical of Confederate conversions of all types. The nipple is missing and there is wood missing on the right side behinf the lock. Function is excellent.
