Smith And Wesson From Civil War Back On Display In Reading
A rare Smith and Wesson Model Number One Revolver, a significant artifact from the Civil War era, is back on display at the Berks History Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. This unique firearm, which was once owned by Reading native Daniel Yohn, a member of Reading's First Defenders, has returned home after being in the possession of a collector in Belgium.
The Smith and Wesson Model Number One Revolver, made in the 1860s, holds historical significance as the first commercially successful revolver to use cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. Daniel Yohn, the original owner, was part of the volunteer groups of soldiers who responded to President Lincoln's call to arms at the start of the Civil War.
The Belgian collector, who had the gun in his possession, reached out to the Berks History Center to learn more about its original owner. After a year of discussions, he agreed to sell the gun back to the museum.
The firearm is now on display at the Berks History Center in Reading, located at 940 Centre Ave. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting visitors to come and witness this piece of Civil War history.