This JS/anchor Kerr Revolver has superd condition, rarity and provenance. It is among the first Kerrs imported with earliest features, double action and slotted top strap. The JS/anchor is stamped upside down into checkering on grips being one of the earliest documented JS/anchor marked guns. 1016 is earliest of census of over 300 guns and this gun is 1041. It makes perfect sence that President Davis would have had samples of the first Kerrs to arrive in the Confederacy.

 

Given Campbell was a Captain in the 15th Kentucky Cavalry under Nathan Bedford Forrest and had an illustrious career in the army and was selected to lead an escort for President Jefferson Davis' escape from Richmond at war's end. On May 5th, 1865 President Davis presented Campbell with a pair of Kerr Patent pistols of which this is one. Given Campbell states this fact in a memorandum given to the Libary of Congress in 1934. This memorandum was compiled by Campbell in great detail based on his reminenscences and original diaries of which the original  day by diary detailing the Davis escape is retained here with the pistol. The pistol was sold by Given Campbell's son Given Campbell, Jr in 1940. The original letter to purchaser is also present with pstol. The gun is inscribed "PRESENTED TO GIVEN CAMPBELL by JEFFERSON DAVIS PRESt C.S.A. May 4, 1865" as seen in photos. The inscription is commemorative. The style of engraving utilizing a rotary tool is reminescent of early 20th century probably executed between Given Camplbells death in 1906 and sell of gun by son in 1940.