Many have speculated of the reason for the hand inside the coat pose of officers during Civil War photographs. Perhaps it was to render access to a concealed weapon. These, after all, were military officers. Is that the bulge of a Smith & Wesson #1 under his left arm? It is about the right size. The number one was one of the first easily concealable cartridge pistols. It was first produced in 1857 and was in great demand by officers in the Civil War.As a .22 short, we might not think of it …read more

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