Deactivated American Civil War L.W. Pond Revolver serial number 163

This is a very early production Lucius W . Pond .22 revolver, serial number 163. This very unusual 7 shot revolver features a unique front loading cylinder utilizing individual removable steel chambers. This clever design was an attempt to circumvent the Rollin White patent under the control of Smith & Wesson. L.W. Pond only produced an estimated 2,000 if these .22 revolvers from 1863 to 1870. This example being gun number 163 would be from either the first or second years of production, dating it to between 1863 and 1864 during which the Ameican Civil War (1861 to 1865) was taking place. It has all visible matching numbers, including both grips and the loading arm, but more importantly still retains all 7 of its steel removable chamber sleeves. The revolver is completely untounched and in original condition. Deactivated to current specifcations with a moving hammer and trigger. The cylinders do index when the hammer is pulled back but do require a little assistance.