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A Historic Revolver Honoring the Greatest Commander of the Confederacy
“It is history that teaches us to hope.”
– General Robert E. Lee
The Legendary Confederate Leader
It was by his actions on the battlefield that the nation first came to recognize the brilliance of Robert E. Lee. But the ultimate Southern gentleman did not stumble upon glory by accident.
Born the son of a Revolutionary War hero, Lee dedicated himself early to the principles of honor and service. He was a model military man and a passionate American who considered duty the highest calling. When the Civil War erupted, Lee was as divided as the republic he adored. After years of distinguished service, he made the fateful decision on April 20, 1861 to decline command of the Union Army and instead defend his home state. With this fateful decision, Robert E. Lee would become a living symbol of the Southern cause, and a legend.
“The Greatest Military Genius in America”
Robert Edward Lee was the fifth child born to Revolutionary War hero Henry, “Light Horse Harry” Lee on January 19, 1807 at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The young Lee followed in his father’s footsteps and grew into a seasoned military man. After an impeccable career at West Point, he proved himself on the battlefield during the Mexican- American War. His raw courage and ambition earned the admiration of his legendary superior, General Winfield Scott. The “Grand Old Man of the Army” would later comment that Robert E. Lee was “the greatest military genius in America…myself not excepted.”
As a respected leader in the United States Army, Lee was called on in 1859 to shut down abolitionist John Brown who had seized the armory at Harper’s Ferry. Afterwards, Lee was singled out to lead U.S. forces against the growing unrest in the South. Lee was willing to fulfill his military obligation, so long as his home state did not secede. He said, “I shall never bear arms against the Union, but it may be necessary for me to carry a musket in the defense of my native state, Virginia, in which case I shall not prove recreant to my duty.” When it became clear that Virginia was going to join the Confederacy, Lee declined President Lincoln’s offer and resigned from the United States Army. Three days later, he assumed command of the Confederate forces. Ultimately, history would deny Lee victory in the War Between the States. But in the years following his surrender at Appomattox, Lee retired to a life of quiet dignity as President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia.
Robert E. Lee is widely regarded by many as the finest general of the Civil War. His most notable victories included the Seven Days Battles, the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville. On the battlefield, Lee proved an inspiring leader and worthy adversary. His achievements in combat tactics and strategy are still studied today. Time and again he led his men against the larger and better-equipped Union army and prevailed. Those triumphs inspired the Confederate states, energizing both soldiers and citizens.
As our nation comes together to observe the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, we are extremely proud to introduce the Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolver, issued exclusively by America Remembers. Our goal was to create a classic Tribute to honor the life and legend of Robert E. Lee. For this special Tribute, we selected the renowned 1851 Navy Revolver, the sidearm chosen by Lee as he led his men in gray into battle.
The Legendary Model 1851 Navy Revolver
For this important 150th anniversary issue, we chose the same revolver that Lee himself trusted in battle: the Model 1851 Navy. Regarded as one of the most important firearms in American history, the 1851 Navy revolver was first crafted by Samuel Colt in 1850. The pistol was so well designed and constructed, it was no surprise that once war broke out between the states, the 1851 Navy became one of the most coveted weapons on the battlefield. Colt sold them to both Union and Confederate officers and it became clear that the easy-loading, six-shot masterpiece was born for battle.
Today the Model 1851 Navy remains a must-have for firearms enthusiasts and serious Civil War collectors. Take a closer look at its impressive 7 ½ inch octagonal barrel and sleek frame, and you can easily understand why it remains one of the most sought after and beloved firearms of all time. Each Tribute available in the edition is a meticulously detailed recreation of the legendary Colt Navy Revolver, created by the incomparable artisans of A. Uberti. For decades, their craftsmen have combined modern high-grade materials with time-honored methods of finishing to create exquisite, working reproductions of history’s greatest firearms.
The right side of the barrel features phrases from a famous quote by General Lee: “There is a True Glory” and “The Glory of Duty Done.” Both are rendered in bold, gold-layered letters, and honor the highest ideals held by Lee. A man of integrity from his earliest days at West Point, Lee valued duty and honor above all else. Lee was a consummate soldier who believed that “obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.”
The centerpiece of the Tribute is the elegantly-decorated cylinder. Artists have appointed it with 24-karat gold details and handsome illustrations including a portrait of Robert E. Lee and the Great Seal of the Confederacy. The Great Seal of the Confederacy is a powerful symbol of the South’s desire for a new beginning. The seal features an image of George Washington on horseback, surrounded with a wreath of agricultural products. Written in the margin of the seal are the words “The Confederate States of America: 22 February 1862” (the date Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America) and the national motto, “Deo Vindice” (Under God, Our Vindicator). Laurel leaves, known as symbols of victory since ancient times, adorn the illustrations and can be found on the flutes.
The left side of the barrel identifies the revolver as the “Robert E. Lee Tribute” with bold letters featured in 24-karat gold. Also featured are the initials “CSA,” representing the Confederate States of America. The letters are encircled by a detailed victory wreath and expertly-rendered scrolling laurel vines. The symbolic laurels are repeated on both sides of the frame, highlighting a trio of stars. Throughout his service in the war, Lee did not wear the insignia of a Confederate general. He kept with the three stars of a Confederate colonel and one possibility for this is a report that Lee did not intend to wear a general’s insignia until the South declared victory.
Custom Made Display Case
In order to display and protect your Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolver, you will receive a handsome, luxuriously lined display case with each order, including an engraved brass identification plaque.
Only 1,000 Available
Only 1,000 Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolvers will be issued in this strictly limited-edition, available exclusively through America Remembers. Now is your opportunity to add this handsomely decorated historic masterpiece to your own collection.
Off the battlefield, Lee stood as a shining example of a distinguished and mannered Virginia Gentleman. Even to his sworn enemies, he earned respect as a man of solid character and extraordinary ability. Through out his life and even after his passing in 1870, Robert E. Lee remains a beloved Southern hero, a military legend and a true American icon.
The Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolver is a fully functional, working .36-caliber black powder revolver–a faithful recreation of the classic Colt Model 1851 Navy. The blued, 7 1/2” octagonal barrel is handsomely complemented by hand-polished walnut grips. Craftsmen commissioned specifically by America Remembers decorate each revolver in lustrous 24-karat gold, with an elegant overall blued finish.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolver” is a working black powder revolver, we will arrange delivery through UPS to ship directly to your home in most states (with age verification).
Order
I wish to reserve the “Robert E. Lee Tribute Revolver,” a working Model 1851 Navy Revolver, at the price of $1,495*. Each revolver is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 1,000, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per revolver. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
