This revolver was presented to Robert E. Lee by the faculty of the US Military Academy at West Point , on his depature as superintendent. Robert E. Lee served as commandant from 1852-1855, a highly esteemed appointment. It symbolizes Lee's distinguished thirty-two years of Army service. While serving as commandant he had the pleasure of seeing his oldest son, George Washington Custis Lee, graduate first in his class of 1854.

Lee's years at West Point were some of the best of his career, and among the most influential of his life. They paved the way for the role he played in the Civil War. In 1855, Lee had the white parlor in Arlington House furnished to evoke his home at West Point.

Revolver
Colt, model 1855, 3 1/2" barrel percussion cap, 5-shot, 28 caliber pocket pistol; serial #4413;cylinder engraved with dueling scene flanked on either side with trees; engraved on rear of grips "Col. R.E. Lee, U.S. Army."

Metal, steel, wood. L 19.4, Dia (Barrel) 1.3 cm, 7 3/4"L; Cyl.1 1/2"L; Barrel 1/2"W , 1/4"DIA
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 2231

Bullet Mold
Brass bullet mold with steel pouring plate that casts round balls and conical shaped bullets. Steel pouring plate stamped "Colts Patent”; has steel hinge pin and guide pin contained in case (ARHO 2232) and accompanying pocket pistol (ARHO 2231). Will cast 9/32" bullets, max. length 4 3/8"
Metal, brass, steel. W 31, L 109 cm
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 2233

Case
Wood, mahogany, pine, velvet. H 4.7, W 14.4, L 25 cm
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 2232