Revolvers, Rifles, and Revolution: The Iconic Firearms That Changed the American Civil War
As a gunsmith, I sincerely appreciate the stories behind the weapons shaping history. The American Civil War, with its significant advancements in firearms, is a particularly moving chapter for me. Each revolver, rifle, and cannon from that time carries a narrative of human ingenuity, bravery, and the profound impacts of warfare. In this post, I want to honor the firearms stories that redefined battle tactics and became emotional symbols of the Civil War. I invite you to join me as we explore these powerful pieces of history together!
Table of Contents
Derringer Pistol
Who would have thought a tiny pocket pistol could alter the course of a nation? Yet, that’s exactly what happened on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, used a .44-caliber Philadelphia Derringer pistol to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.
The Derringer, known for its compact size and single-shot capacity, was considered a gentleman’s weapon—easy to conceal, but not something associated with grand historical events. Booth, a prominent actor and Southern loyalist, slipped into Lincoln’s private box and fired a single shot at point-blank range. The small pistol’s lead ball struck Lincoln in the head, leading to his death the following morning.
The Derringer pistol, seemingly unremarkable, became infamous that night, forever tied to one of the most shocking moments in U.S. history.
The derringer’s simplicity of design made it the perfect starting point for my journey into creating miniature weapons. Nearly a decade has passed since then, during which I’ve crafted several derringers with various embellishments—including some of the smallest in the world. Today, however, I want to introduce you to a slightly more intriguing design: the Frank Wesson swivel-barrel Derringer. Though still a single-action model, its unique construction allows for two consecutive shots without reloading.
Flintlock Pistol
Who would have imagined an old flintlock pistol from the 18th century would appear on a Civil War battlefield? This occurred during the Battle of Antietam in 1862, the bloodiest day in American history.
As the Union and Confederate armies clashed, some Confederate soldiers struggled with shortages. One soldier, in desperation, used a flintlock pistol passed down from his grandfather, a Revolutionary War veteran.
The flintlock was outdated, with a slow loading process and unreliable ignition. Yet, during close combat, the soldier fired it, briefly stunning an advancing Union soldier. He then seized the modern rifle, turning the skirmish in his favor.
This unlikely moment, when a centuries-old weapon was briefly relevant in a modern war, highlights the resourcefulness of soldiers on both sides. Once a museum artifact, the Flintlock pistol fired one last shot into history!
Of course, I couldn’t overlook this iconic model. When crafting its miniature, I strived to stay as true as possible to the functionality of the original historical prototype. The pistol’s popularity is proof that I succeeded. The loading process turned out to be both characterful and easy, while the shooting experience was nothing short of spectacular.
Lefaucheux Revolver
The Lefaucheux revolver, patented in 1854, was one of the first firearms to use self-contained metallic cartridges. Unlike traditional cap-and-ball revolvers that were slow to reload and prone to misfires, the Lefaucheux offered faster loading and greater reliability—a game-changer for soldiers desperate for any edge in combat.
During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces imported these revolvers from Europe due to domestic shortages of weapons. One remarkable story involves a Union officer at the Battle of Gettysburg who carried a Lefaucheux revolver gifted to him by a French ally. Facing an intense Confederate charge, the officer emptied the revolver into the advancing soldiers, saving his outnumbered unit from being overrun. His quick reloading allowed him to fire again, a feat impossible with conventional revolvers of the era.
The Lefaucheux revolver is one of our collection’s few 2mm pinfire revolvers. Unlike pistols, we only develop pinfire miniatures where the original revolvers were explicitly designed for this cartridge type. This approach aligns with my commitment to preserving the most authentic representation of the original design. For a pinfire revolver model, the hummer must be positioned to hit the top of the cartridge. This technical requirement explains why we have so few revolvers for pinfire cartridges. However, quality outweighs quantity, and we’ve tried to make this model truly captivating.
12-Pounder Cannon
A single 12-pounder Napoleon cannon turned the tide of the Battle of Antietam in 1862 against impossible odds.
During a fierce Confederate attack on a vulnerable Union regiment, the Union soldiers faced dire odds. Hope emerged when a lone artillery crew positioned a 12-pounder Napoleon cannon, known for its versatility and accuracy, as their last line of defense.
The crew swiftly loaded and fired grapeshot into the advancing Confederates. The devastating barrage halted their charge and gave the Union troops vital time to regroup. Remarkably, the crew was composed of inexperienced recruits using the cannon for the first time in combat. Their bravery and the cannon’s effectiveness were crucial in securing the Union’s positions.
The 12-pounder Napoleon, a simple yet powerful weapon, proved that sometimes, even one well-placed cannon can change the course of history.
Similarly, our 1/72 scale miniature cannon has the potential to change the course of your personal history. It can become a standout piece in your collection. This model was designed to provide a first experience with miniatures I crafted. While it’s budget-friendly, it doesn’t compromise on quality, and working closely resembling the real thing. This attention to authenticity allows you to fully immerse yourself in historical reenactment and perhaps even imagine yourself as a Union soldier. For many, playing with this miniature feels like meditation, bringing you entirely into the moment.
Enfield 1853 Musket
The British-made Enfield 1853 rifle-musket, used by Union and Confederate forces, played a pivotal role in one of the most touching stories of the Civil War. It happened during the aftermath of the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862.
After the battle, many wounded soldiers lay in no-man’s land. One Confederate soldier saw an injured Union soldier near a water source. Risking his life, he unloaded his musket, attached his canteen to the barrel, and extended it across the divide.
The Union soldier took a deep drink from his canteen, nodding in gratitude. Amid war, this small act of kindness reminded us that compassion can transcend division. The Enfield 1853 rifle-musket, usually a symbol of conflict, became an unexpected emblem of humanity during one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles.
Several years after creating the first prototype of this musket, we’ve finally decided to make it available for order on our website. Though challenging to produce, the desire to expand our range of historical models for my discerning and intellectual clients prevailed. This model is a true standout: visually striking, historically intriguing, and crafted with diverse materials. It also features a detailed loading ritual… that makes it a gem for true connoisseurs of historical weaponry.
About the Author
My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.
My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.