The photographs here are of a 1849 Colt .31 calibre pistol that was used by Lieut. John M. Du Shane when he was on the police force in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was presented to him by the citizens of the town.
The pistol is a "Cap & Ball" configuration -- utilizing black powder, patches, lead balls and caps. The gun has a built-in ramming device to compress the ball, patch and powder into the revolver cylinder.
The plaque on the pearl handle reads:
Presented to John M. Du Shane
by Citizens of 24th Ward as
a manifestation of their esteem
and regards.
June 5, 1854John Du Shane later moved to Mitchell county, Iowa. John is Allan Du Shane's grandfather, and is Neal Du Shane's great-great-grandfather.
Interestingly, the cylinder is engraved with a scene depicting the "Great Stage Coach Robbery."