I will look at the pics later and give you an answer then. I am on my phone at the minute and don't have my glasses... lol.
At quick glance it looks like a boot pistol, probably Belgian.
@carlton wright I am still interested in the Civil War letters. If you are interested in selling them I am a likely buyer, although I would have to thoroughly inspect them in order to authenticate before I purchase.
Pre 1899 Milsurp. One of a handful of modern cartridge rifles that doesn't require a FFL.
Carcano M1891 6.5mm Calvary Carbine. This one was made in 1896 Bresica Arsenal.
Lawdy... I appreciate the kind words. Just wait till you see what I post up for sale when I finish it. I stumbled into a Dance Brothers revolver recently and am in the process of repairing and restoring it. It will be a beaut she I get finished. Probably gonna ask $30000 for it.
It appears to be a first model 3rd revision.
I have a very detailed book at home about the Whitney called Whitney Naval Revolver, that goes through production numbers and changes among the two models and their revisions.
Nice piece and in fairly good shape too.