January 6, 1862 - An Arkansas Man's Pistol

I found this unique little item while doing some research today and thought you might find it of interest.

It was published in the Little Rock True Democrat and picked up by the Charleston Courier in South Carolina on January 6, 1862, 150 years ago today:

We have been shown a splendid six shooter, manufactered in toto by Mr. H.H. Carter, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, which will send a shot to the distance of a quarter of a mile. It is an excellent pistol an the finish compares favorably with any work of the kind we ever saw.

Such innovation by individual inventors was quite common during the Civil War, with private inventors developing everything from pistols to submarines. All across the South, especially, people tinkered with ideas they thought would help the men at the front. Many developed small factories of their own, turning out weapons and other equipment for the Confederate armies.

If any of you know more about Mr. Carter and his pistol, I would love to hear from you! I would love to see a photo of one of his revolvers.