Isaac Blissett – Cased Pepper-Box Revolver

December 13, 2014May 11, 2015 admin

Manufacture

This cased, 52 bore, self cocking, six shot, bar hammer, percussion PEPPER-BOX revolver was manufactured approximately 1830

History

No history is known about this revolver. However the maker, Isaac Blissett was from 1808 to 1820 a “hair manufacturer, jeweller and perfumer”. From 1823 to 1854 he was registered as a gunmaker at 69 Leadenhall Street LONDON.

Description

The six shot barrel group which is 3.5″ long is stamped on alternative grooves with the London proof and view marks. On each barrel is engraved the Nos. 1-6. The bore dia is .450″. The muzzle is finely engraved.

The frame is of German silver, finely and profusely engraved with scrolls as is the blued hammer. The panel on the left is engraved “I. BLISSETT 69 LEADENHALL St LONDON” and on the right panel “IMPROVED REVOLVING PISTOL”. The engraved one piece backstrap has a blank escutcheon panel, the blued trigger guard is also engraved.

The walnut grips are plain and two piece.

Accessories

It is cased in its original Mahogany case, (10.5″ x 7.5″ x 2.25″) lined with green baize. The lid carries a brass escutcheon plate which is engraved with the initials “A.C.”

Contained with the revolver is the following: .453″ odd leg (for loading) ball mould stamped “No 52” and “WG”; ebony handled turnscrew with pricker and a split nipple key; ebony handled cleaning, loading and ball removing rod; 6 unused spare nipples; japanned tin of correct size percussion caps.

References

Page 29 in “British Gunmakers Cards Cases and Equipment” by Neal and Back, refers to Blissett with an example of his trade card.

Summary

The set has evidence of use but has been well cared for. Certain of the accessories appear to be of later addition yet of original pattern.

PRICE

SOLD

Robert Adams (Deane Adams and Deane) – CASED REVOLVER

December 13, 2014March 3, 2015 admin

MANUFACTURE

Cased revolver and accessories manufactured 1851

HISTORY

Nothing is known about this revolver except its appearance in the English market led the attack on Colt and formed the connecting link between the transitional and pepper-box revolvers and the “true” revolvers of the late nineteenth century.

DESCRIPTION

This 38 Bore (.492″ chamber dia; .479″ bullet dia) “Dragoon” self cocking, five shot, percussion revolver is engraved on the frame with ADAMS‘S,PATENT,No1341 along with intricate scroll work. It is stamped with the London proof and view marks on the cylinder. It has a dovetailed bead foresight, notched ‘V’ rearsight, scroll engraved frame, blued cylinder and chequered walnut one piece grip, with engraved Butt Trap. The blued octagonal barrel is 8″ long.

The grip strap is stamped with the No 1341 with an “R” underneath. This “R” suffix introduced in 1852 gave Adams a royalty on every patented gun sold in England. This followed the receipt of funds from T.A.Hankey of “Hankey’s” bank for expansion in return for 1/8 of his 1851 patent royalty. The “R” suffix was begun at gun No 4000 and was usually marked on the frame in brackets, the “R” on this gun was engraved by the retailers. This revolver has a very low serial No and was probably one held in stock by Deane Adams and Deane as the Hankey deal came into effect.

The grip is flared with a blued butt cap which has a shell engraved trapdoor for percussion caps. The barrel is inscribed DEANE ADAMS & DEANE (MAKERS TO H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT) 30 KING WILLIAM ST LONDON BRIDGE.

ACCESSORIES

Original oak case (15″ x 8″ x 2.5″) with empty brass escutcheon on lid, lined with green baize. On inside of lid is a pictorial trade label of Wm DOOLEY Gun Maker No11 Ranelagh Street LIVERPOOL, obviously the retailer.

Contained with the revolver are the following accessories: Adams patent double cavity bullet and ball (with integral spike) mould stamped ‘1939′, ‘38′ and with Adams registered stamp; James Dixon patent top revolver flask with variable charger and bag shaped body; Dixon and sons pewter oil bottle; Rosewood combination cleaning, loading and ball removing rod; turn screw and nipple wrench with pricker; washed leather bag containing percussion caps, ELEYS label on one side and on the other a DEANE ADAMS and DEANE label. Three spare nipples and case key. Wads and wad punch (stamped ‘38‘) for Adams unique bullet.

REFERENCES

1 Adams Revolvers page 32

2 “The Revolver 1818-1865”–Taylerson. pages 81/82

SUMMARY

This revolver has little evidence of use. All of the accessories appear original (other than the turnscrew which is a later addition but of correct pattern) and in excellent condition.

PRICE

SOLD

William Tranter – Cased Revolver

December 12, 2014May 11, 2015 admin

MANUFACTURE

Cased “Third Model” double trigger revolver manufactured approximately 1857/1858.

HISTORY

Little is known about this revolver other than it came from an estate in Argentina whose original owner emigrated to South America c1870. The family selling various collected items in London, in December 1990

DESCRIPTION

This standard ‘3rd model’ 80 Bore,(.386″ chamber dia; .396 bullet dia) Tranters Patent, double trigger, five shot, percussion revolver carries the serial number 20419T which dates the manufacture. It is stamped with the Birmingham proof and view marks on both the barrel and the cylinder. It has a barley-corn foresight, notched ‘V’ rearsight, scroll engraved frame, stamped on left side with “H.H” (outworks mark), Tranter double trigger and loading rammer stamped ‘32‘ and ‘TRANTERS PATENT‘, ‘Y’ shaped safety spring, colour hardened cylinder with knurled band and checkered walnut one piece grip with engraved steel butt cap. The barrel is 4.5″ long.

ACCESSORIES

Original mahogany case (13.5″ x 7.75″ x 2.4″) with empty brass escutcheon on lid, lined with green baize.

Contained with the revolver are the following accessories: double cavity bullet mould stamped ‘80‘ and ‘TRANTERS PATENT‘; James Dixon patent top revolver flask with variable charger and bag shaped body; James Dixon pewter oil bottle; Rosewood combination cleaning/loading/ball removing rod; ebony handled turn screw and nipple wrench with pricker; japanned tin containing original Tranter Patent Lubricating Bullets; two other japanned tins, for lubricating composition and ELEY percussion caps; all three with matching green labels, five spare nipples and case key.

REFERENCES

1 Argentine provenance Mr M Scott (Weller & Dufty) 1990.

2 Proof identification from Birmingham Proof House 1991

3 For manufacturing details see “THE REVOLVER 1818-1865”–Taylerson.

SUMMARY

This revolver has no evidence of use other than occasional handling. To ensure that the gun was in full working order (was seized up) hardened grease was removed to reveal an “ex factory ” revolver. The powder flask has never held powder. The bullet mould appears to be “factory” greased. All of the accessories appear original and in excellent condition.