Smith & Wesson No. 2 old model army revolver, 32 cal. rimfire pistol, serial number 5647. Triple patent date cylinder - 1855, 1859, 1860, marked "Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass" on top of barrel. Two numbers stamped on cylinder and inside of pivoting barrel difficult to discern, possibly 39(?). Inscription on backstrap, "John W. Becker 72 Ill. Vol." 6" barrel length. Retains a leather 19th century holster with a light inscription on the inside leather flap, "Sergt J C". Corporal John W. Becker of the 72nd Infantry Company E, Chicago, enlisted July 23 1862 and was discharged April 26 1865 for disability. Originally callled "The Hancock Guards", this regiment included 37 officers and 930 men. They were headquartered in Memphis, TN in 1863 and later participated in the seige of Vicksburg with losses of 130 killed, wounded, or missing. They also took possession of Natchez, Mississippi in the latter part of 1863. They arrived in Nashville, TN in mid November of 1864 and joined General Schofield's command in Columbia, TN. On November 29th, they arrived at Franklin, TN and engaged Confederate General Hood's forces on November 30th. The 72nd lost 9 officers and 152 men killed or wounded at Franklin. They consequently retreated to Nashville under the command of General A. J. Smith and engaged General Hood for the battle of Nashville in December of 1864.

Rosewood handle retains approx. 30% of varnish, uniform patina on frame. Holster with scuffs to leather edges and end, missing button. Stitching likely later.