Shawk & McLanahan - A Would-Be St Louis Revolver Company

Published on October 24, 2017
Duration: 11:42

This entry details the rare Shawk & McLanahan Revolver, a Civil War-era percussion firearm manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri. It highlights the unique one-piece brass frame construction, distinguishing it from Colt designs, and its association with key figures like Abel Shawk and William Teggethoff. The entry also covers a specific presentation example with an intricately engraved holster, gifted to Confederate Brigadier General James Chestnut.

Quick Summary

The Shawk & McLanahan Revolver is a rare Civil War-era percussion firearm, notable for its unique one-piece solid brass frame and limited production (45-50 units). Manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri, by figures like Abel Shawk and William Teggethoff, it was often a presentation piece, such as the example gifted to Confederate General James Chestnut, complete with an engraved holster.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Shawk & McLanahan Revolver
  2. 01:21Manufacturing History and Key Figures
  3. 02:39St. Louis as a Firearms Hub
  4. 04:21Confederate Connection and Tooling
  5. 06:27Technical Features and Markings
  6. 08:14The Presentation Holster

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Shawk & McLanahan Revolver historically significant?

The Shawk & McLanahan Revolver is significant due to its extreme rarity, with only about 45-50 produced and eight known today. It features a unique one-piece brass frame and was manufactured in St. Louis during the Civil War era, often serving as presentation pieces.

What are the key technical features of the Shawk & McLanahan Revolver?

Key features include its percussion action, a one-piece solid brass frame (often silver-plated), and a spring-loaded detent for loading lever retention. Rifling options included 7-groove or 4-groove patterns.

Who were the key figures involved in the Shawk & McLanahan Revolver's production?

The revolver was manufactured by Abel Shawk, J.K. McLanahan, and William Teggethoff in Carondelet, Missouri. Teggethoff's name appears on early serial numbers, indicating his role as a gunsmith.

What is the significance of the presentation holster associated with the Shawk & McLanahan Revolver?

The accompanying engraved silver-plated holster is a valuable artifact, featuring the South Carolina state seal and presentation text. It was gifted to Confederate Brigadier General James Chestnut on January 3rd, 1865.

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