CIVIL WAR ENGRAVED PRESENTATION BACON ARMS

REVOLVER OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT BVT. BRIG. GENERAL HENRY TREMAIN.Cal. 31. S# 302. This is a standard configuration of the scarce Bacon Arms, Norwich CT made pocket revolver, 9.5” overall, 4” octagonal barrel, engraved and silver plated, mounted with smooth ivory grips. This revolver is featured in a October 1996 9-page Gun Report article which should be read. Henry Edwin Joseph Tremain (1840-1910) was from a prominent New York family, had just graduated from New York City College in 1860 and had entered Columbia University’s Law School as the war began. Among other elite New Yorkers he was a member of the 3rd Company, 7th New York State National Guard. Uniforms and equipment was of the finest quality for the 7th and one tradition of the regiment was that each member should carry his own personal pistol in a holster on his belt as part of his uniform. Many fancy weapons, especially Colts are known among the ranks of the famous “Silk Stockings” regiment. Henry's uncle and godfather Joseph Charles Tremain gave his 20 year old nephew at time of enrollment in the 7th this “Excelsior Model” Bacon Revolver. The presentation inscribed on left barrel housing: “From J.C.T. to H.E.J.T.” above “3” designated 3rd Company of the 7th. Engraved over the presentation “FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH”. The holster like the revolver has survived in exemplary condition. Many 7th New Yorkers served only 90 days, but remain upon his return to New York and was commissioned Lieutenant in the 73rd New York volunteer infantry August 1861 which was a well-known fighting unit. Tremain would be captured by rebel forces under Stonewall Jackson August 29, 1862 at second Manassas while leading a countercharge. He was held at Libby prison till exchanged a month later just after Antietam. Tremaine resumed his duties staff duties under General Dan sickles, he would soon be promoted to captain and in April 1862 to major. At Chancellorsville he served on the staff of Major General Joseph Hooker, and was recommended for brevet promotion. In 1864 Tremain was detailed to special service in the West along with General Sickles visiting every army operating beyond the Appalachians. On May 15th still attached to General Sickles who was visiting Ge. Wm. Tecumseh Sherman's command under confidential orders of the president. With Sickles’ permission, he volunteered for staff duty under Major General Daniel Butterfield and for a short time commanded a brigade. An unfortunate incident of friendly fire occurred in the heavily wooded terrain near Resaca when the brigade of Colonel Benjamin Harrison was accidentally fired upon by the brigade of Colonel John Coburn. Tremain rode between the lines in front of Coborn's command knocking down the muskets of the front rank with his sword and his hands while both brigades blazed merrily away at each other. Due to his efforts the firing stopped and the federal assault on the rebel lines continued. In a letter to Tremain, Gen. Butterfield expressed his appreciation. Your devotion and energy and camp and on the march your gallantry and our assault on the enemy works, at Resaca Georgia, and your genuine qualities have endeared you to us all. Eventually Tremain would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Resaca. Rejoining the Army of Potomac, Tremain served with the Cavalry Corps on the Staffs of General John Gregg and John Crook and participated in the battles of Hatchers Run, Dinwiddie Courthouse, Sailors Creek, and the final engagements at Appomattox. He was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel for gallant and meritorious service by special recommendation of Major General Philip Sheridan and was later brevetted to the ranks of Colonel and Brigadier General. In April 1866 after serving in the occupation forces in the Carolinas, Tremain resigned his commission, returned to New York City, received his law degree in 1867, started prominent law firm, becoming well-known NYC attorney and politician. In 1868 he was employed by the United States Marshall as a special counsel in the prosecution of William Marcy “Boss” Tweed. He was appointed 1st Assistant United States District Attorney under President Grant. Tremain was the author of numerous legal texts, he wrote a memorial volume in 1905 for General Dan Sickles, and an important Civil War text “The Last Hours of Sheridan’s Cavalry”, in 1904. It is still in print today and is a widely regarded scholarly account of the final events leading to war’s end at Appomattox. He also wrote his firsthand account: “Two Days of War, A Gettysburg Narrative”. It is likely this wonderful holstered revolver served this gallant officer throughout the war. Holster and pistol show honest use, an extremely well cared for. When General Tremain died in 2010, the newspapers stated he was rated a millionaire. He endowed an essay contest at New York City College, which is still funded to this day, “General Tremain Prize” For a student who writes the best essay on some aspect of American History related to the Civil War, award first given in 1910 and online search finds 2022 award. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: large file of research including 1985 receipt when Mr. Bricker purchase the revolver, Copy of October 1996 Gun Report article “Silent Emotions-General Tremain’s pistol”. PROVENANCE: from the Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. CONDITION: very fine overall, retains most of its original factory silver plating, crisp markings throughout including address and presentation, mechanically fine, crisp bright rifled bore. Pistol is matching throughout including ivory grips which are each numbered internally matching “302”. Pistol’s original military style flap holster is supple and fine condition retaining most of its original black finish. (01-25012/JS). $3,000-4,000.