Rare Kerr's Patent Confederate Civil War Pistol

Updated August 25, 2026

Serial number 9853. The assembly number 368 is found inside the trigger guard and on the front of the cylinder and are matching. The London Armoury Company Kerr’s Patent Revolver is one of the most distinctive and recognizable of all Civil War era handguns owing to the side mounted hammer and removable side plate giving it a unique silhouette. The Kerr patent revolver was invented by James Kerr, who was awarded two patents for improvements to an earlier revolver design. Approximately 9,000 of these single action, 5-shot, .44 caliber pistols were manufactured by the London Armoury Company and sold to the Confederate States of America. According to research available through College Hill Arsenal, the serial numbers on documented pistols range from 1,500 to 10,500. There were three separate purchase contracts between the manufacturer and the CSA, two Army and one Navy. While it is standard to find Confederate Kerr pistols that were delivered directly to the arsenals with the JS/Anchor inspector mark, a large number of these pistols were purchased by southern businessmen on speculation and sold privately to officers and enlisted men in the Confederate service. This pistol does not have that mark on the grip. A squad roll from Lt. Julian Platt's Company H, 18th Virginia Cavalry lists seven Kerr pistols within the serial number range of 9240-9974. This pistol fits within that serial number range. Two of these pistols are identified and are still in existence including one that does not have the JS/Anchor. Regiments known to carry the Kerr pistol include the 7th/11th/12th/18th and 35th Virginia. The 24th Georgia and the 8th Texas. London Armoury Co. is engraved on the side plate. Kerr's Patent is engraved below the cylinder on the right side and London Armoury is engraved in a circle below the cylinder on the left side. The initials LAC are on the left side of the barrel along with proof marks. Additional proof marks are on the cylinder. Provenance: The collection of Craig and Cynthia Wertz. 11 1/4"L overall. Barrel length 5 5/8" Wonderful chocolate brown patina from age and use. Grips in original finish with scratches and wear. Cylinder pin and retaining screw are replaced.

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