Make: Whitneyville Armory

Model: Model 1 ½ Spur Trigger 38RF

Serial Number: 2471B

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1871-1879

Caliber: 38 Caliber Rim Fire

Action Type: Single Action Only Revolver

Markings: The left flat of the barrel was marked “WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY CT US”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “2471B”. Inside the grip panel is stamped with the serial number.

Barrel Length: The round barrel is 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon-shaped blade at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap. It is exposed when the shooter cocks the hammer.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece varnished walnut grip. Both sides show compression and handling marks notably compression marks on the lower front edge. Inside the grip panel is stamped with the serial number. The grips rate in about fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: The finish nickel chased brass frame, blued cylinder, and barrel with case-colored hammer. 

Finish Originality:  Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is apparent There is erosion in the barrel. 7/10 for a bore rating in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. Some of the silver has been lost on the right side of the frame. The blue from the barrel and cylinder are missing. There are handling marks. All the wear seems quite honest. Overall, this handgun rates in about good condition. Please see our photos.

Mechanics: The action does function correctly. The hammer will cock and the trigger will throw the hammer. The cylinder will lock up. We did not fire this handgun. We do not recommend firing this weapon.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this revolver is an assortment of accouterment; a Birds-Eye Maple Jewelry Box belonging to Madame Fannie Porter, The box is well made and a plaque has been mounted to the top adorned with her name and the words “FORT WORTH”. This gives us reason to believe in our assumptions. Inside the box we were pleased to find a Model 1907 14kt Gold Petite size zero ladies' pocket watch inscribed with the maker's name on the inside; "Philadelphia Watch Co”. Our research shows the watch to be worth around $800 alone. A small golden bangle of a bracelet accompanies the watch. The bracelet has a strong clasp and hinge and is engraved with a French floral design. All these items and one .38 Caliber rimfire bullet, are included with the revolver and are appropriate to the pistol and its age. (Ammo Ships Separate) 

Our Assessment: Madam Fannie Porter ran one of the most luxurious brothels in Texas at the turn of the 20th century. Fannie was born in England in February 1873 but moved to the United States with her family when she was one year old. As a young teen, she married, but by the time the Wild Bunch made their way to San Antonio in the late 1800s, she was widowed, running the successful bordello and gladly welcoming the outlaws into her fold.

Located in San Antonio’s Second Ward at the corner of Durango and South San Saba Streets, the house was built in 1893 and “advertised” itself as a “boarding house.” Fannie, herself was mentioned in various city directories from 1890 until 1902. The house was said to have boasted fine glass fixtures, silk sheets, and plush carpeting, and for her “special customers,” including members of the Wild Bunch, she served chilled champagne.

For several years, the brothel served as a rest stop, hideout, rendezvous, and headquarters for Butch Cassidy and the rest of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. It was here that Harry Longabaugh, better known as the Sundance Kid, is thought to have met Etta Place. According to some accounts, the beautiful Etta was working at Fannie’s place as either a prostitute or chambermaid, and it was Longabaugh who set her up as a teacher so she could start a new life. Harvey Logan, known as Kid Curry, also met his girl, Annie Rogers, at Fannie’s brothel.

Whitneyville Armory Model 1-1/2 Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver, made circa 1871 through 1879 in New Haven, Connecticut. Around 14,000 of these 5-shot revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured at Eli Whitney Jr.’s Whitneyville Armory in the 1870s. This little single action solid frame revolver was produced in different frame sizes, depending on the caliber. It was chambered in .22, .32, or .38 rimfire cartridges. They came with a brass frame with a variety of finishes including nickel plated, blued, or a combination of both. The “bird’s head” grips were normally walnut, rosewood, or hard rubber, with some examples of ivory or pearl grips sometimes encountered. The overall condition is very good. Only some of the finish but the action is excellent. The bore is in good condition with strong rifling. The grips are solid with original finish. Numbers match.