Retired Marines donate reproduction of Confederate-era revolver to MOTI
Museum of the Islands volunteer Vickie Duflo has reported that a reproduction of a Cap and Ball 44 Caliber Confederate model 1851 Colt Navy Revolver was recently restored and donated to the museum.
She describes the gun as a relic, and said the donation was made by Major Richard Hoyle, United States Marine Corp, retired, and Mike Perrigo, gunny sergeant, United States Marine Corp, retired. Both, she said, are gun restoration hobbyists, as well as Pine Islanders who are very active and can be called on for almost anything.
“During the Civil War, we ran cattle from this area, from Pine Island Sound to Punta Rassa to trade it off with Cuba,” Duflo said.
When the Northerners noticed this, she said, they put up a blockade to get in the way of the trading going on. Trading cattle for gold was a common exchange we had with Cuba, she said.
“The blockade required more clandestine operations in the Pine Island Sound, with shallow boats. It was a significant area during that time, with the Northerners blocking off our trade and with us trying to sneak around them, ” Duflo said.
Guns like the one donated were reproduced in the South with the use of brass, she said, because iron had been cut off. Careful attention had to be given in order to continue the trades with Cuba, or anyone else who was willing to make trades.
“This gets little attention because it’s not a household item but it’s very significant,” Duflo said of the gun.
The Museum of the Islands is at 5728 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia. For additional information, call (239) 283-1525.
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