Barrel length and safety slots
Reference the safety notches on the Spiller and Burr originals. I have never had one in my hands so I don’t know and the pictures posted on this site surely do not appear to show notches, but I borrowed a book through interlibrary loan- a real nice service by the way at your local library- “The Confederate Brass-Framed Colt and Whitney” by William A. Albaugh III, 1955, reprinted by Broadfoot, 1993.
In this book the author quotes the “Inspection report on the sample Spiller & Burr Revolver” by COL J. Gorgas, Confederate Chief of Ordnance, Dec. 26 1862. An overall favorable report, however Col Gorgas recommends some changes; one to adopt a “spring and catch like that of Colt’s pistol” for the lever of the rammer. Further he states: “ I would recommend a slot cut in the base of the cylinder between the cones in which that face of the hammer will fit, holding the cylinder at a half revolution and making a safeguard from accidental explosion.” Also “the adoption of the caliber of Colt’s Navy Revolver for the sake of uniformity in ammunition.” Finally the rounding of the muzzle “as is less apt to cut the holster…”
As far as I know, all of these “recommendations” were adopted by Spiller & Burr prior to the contract with the CS government of March, 1863.
Albaugh also gives the specifications of the revolver in part as follows:
Barrel- Octagon…Barrel length 6 and 1/8th inches. End of barrel rounded.
Safety device- Hammer engages a slot between the cones on the cylinder.
Given this information, it seems like the Gorgas recommendations were adopted. I would really like to learn from an original Spiller & Burr owner the barrel length and if it has the safety notches between the “cones” as stated by Albaugh.