U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

CONTACT: CHRISTINE MONACO (212) 384-2715

JAMES MARGOLIN (212) 384-2720

FBI ANNOUNCES RECOVERY AND RETURN OF HISTORIC THEODORE ROOSEVELT REVOLVER

New York – Mark J. Mershon, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), today announced the recovery and return of a stolen revolver once owned by former President Theodore Roosevelt. The revolver is a .38 Colt double-action, six-shot revolver believed to have been carried by then Colonel Theodore Roosevelt up San Juan Hill as the regimental leader of the Rough Riders.

The Model 1892 Colt Revolver initially was acquired by the U. S. Government for the U. S. Navy on March 30, 1895 .  It was contained in the armory of the Battleship Maine when the ship was sunk by an explosion in Havana Harbor .  During a salvage mission, the Colt was recovered from the Battleship Maine by one of Roosevelt 's relatives and given to then Colonel Roosevelt.  Colonel Roosevelt carried the Colt into the battle of San Juan Hill where he led his Rough Riders to victory during the Spanish-American War. 

The revolver was stolen from Roosevelt 's home at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Long Island , NY , in April, 1990 and was subsequently obtained by the FBI from an anonymous contributor. The inscription reads: “ July 1st, 1898 , San Juan , Carried and Used by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, From the Sunken Battle Ship Maine .” The value of the weapon is estimated to be between $250,000 and $500,000.

“This important piece of history symbolizing the strength and courage of one of the greatest American presidents belongs back in its rightful place. While we are pleased to return Teddy Roosevelt’s revolver to its home at Sagamore Hill, the theft of the weapon is a pending federal investigation and the FBI remains committed to pursuing all leads. We encourage anyone who has information regarding this matter to contact the FBI New York Office at 212-384-5000, or their local FBI field office,” stated Assistant Director Mershon.

The investigation and recovery of this weapon are based on the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Park Service, the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Nassau County Police Department and the Florida State Attorney’s Office.