Peter N. Cruse, Acting Master, USN, received this ’51 Navy from a Philadelphia friend, and had this revolver with him during the Battle of Port Royal, SC, the first amphibious engagement of the Civil War.
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Description
Historic Colt ’51 Navy- Battle Of “Port Royal Nov 7 1861.” The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver, serial number 94664, was manufactured in 1860, and was personalized by the owner with his engraved name on the backstrap, ” Wm C. Stevenson.” At some point after after the battle at Port Royal, Acting Master, Peter N. Cruse had his name engraved on the inside of the grip behind the trigger guard area. At the same time, Cruse recorded that this Colt was used at the Battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, and so engraved, ” Port Royal Nov.7 1861″ on the butt.
William C. Stevenson & Cruse were both living in Philadelphia, and from the research done, they (along with a Mr. Walker) formed a copartnership in the grocery business in that city upon Cruse’s resignation from the U.S. Navy on 17 June, 1863. Cruse, originally from Denmark, was known to be in the ship chandlery business perhaps before the war and certainly afterward.
Upon his appointment as an acting master, Cruse was assigned to the Gunboat, USS Unadilla. This gunboat was part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron that took part in the first amphibious assault in the Civil War at Port Royal, South Carolina, a key location that would serve as the base for that blockading squadron’s operations against Confederate, and other blockade runners supplying the South with goods and munitions, etc.
Research shows that he would later command a ship during the war, until his resignation in June of 1863 (later newspaper accounts name him as “captain”). During his time in service in the Civil War, while Cruse was aboard the USS Unadilla, received part of the prize for the capture of a British steamer Londonia of 700 tons, whose story appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer of 12 August, 1862, that gives account of the capture, and names the officers of the Unadilla, including Cruse’s participation (see photo). While aboard the USS Unadilla, Acting Master Cruse took part in the capture of Forts Walker & Beauregard in Port Royal, SC on the 7th of November, 1861; did blockade duty off Charleston, SC to 28 April, 1862; Captured the British Schooner Mary Teresa, 10 May, 1862, attempting to run into Charleston; participated in repulsing the Confederate attack on Port Royal, SC – 4 to 12 July, 1862; captured the British Steamer Londonia in Ossabow Sound, SC 4 August, 1862. There is a photocopy of Commander N. Collins, hand written certification as to the merits of Cruse, while these officers where on the Unadilla from October 12, 1861 to September 1, 1862.
The Colt Navy is in fine condition, with good traces of blue on the barrel, and some case harden colors on the frame, hammer, and loading lever. Most of the screws retain much blue finish, and most of the varnish on the grips remains intact. Silver plate is thinning on the backstrap, and trigger guard with most wear on the inside of the grip over Cruse’s name. The butt has virtually no silver remaining. The bluish-plume colored cylinder scene overall is visible and in fine condition. The .36 caliber, 7.5 inch barrel is engraved with the address on top flat, “- ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD, CT.” “COLTS / PATENT” on left side of frame. All serial numbers match, and the number on the butt was re-stamped by the factory, apparently a mis-numbering took place, and I have had this varified by a Colt expert; all mechanically sound. The grips have small dings, scratching, etc. but nothing that detracts from the appearance. Overall a pleasing, used revolver with a super history. I was told this ’51 Colt was used by a miniature gun maker as the model for his work.
The Colt is accompanied with a good amount of research materials (Courtesy of D.J.)
Additional information
| Weight | 5 lbs |
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