Original Item: Only One Available. This revolver is particularly scarce in that it introduced the addition of a single action feature to what had previously been a double action only model up until that time. Tranter historian and collector Jim Hallam has estimated that less than fifty of these revolvers survive today. The revolver features a double trigger set up where the lower trigger, outside the trigger guard, revolves the cylinder and drew the hammer back. However, this did not leave the hammer cocked, and due to a spring safety on the left side of the frame, the hammer cannot reach the cylinder unless the lower trigger is pulled back, so releasing the lower trigger cannot fire the weapon.

Only by depressing the upper trigger on the inside of the trigger guard while the lower trigger was pulled back would the hammer then fall and discharge the weapon. The trigger pull on the inner trigger is much lighter, and in a way this is almost a hybrid of double and single action. The hammer is usually spurless, so the triggers are the only way to cock and fire the gun This particularly type of action is called the "Treble" action, and they are exceedingly rare to find.

This is a fantastic ENGRAVED example of a 3rd Model Tranter Revolver in 54 bore (about 0.44"), which looks fantastic with "bank note" engraving on both sides of the frame, on the loading rammer, and on the top three facets of the octagonal barrel. Even the butt cap is fully engraved! The fit and finish are far ahead of its time, with a lovely deep blue color that is very well retained, making this a true showpiece. This example is marked with serial № 7024 T. on the right side of the frame, and is offered in fully functional condition. The "T" Suffix is absolutely correct for a "Treble Action" revolver, indicating manufacture after 1856. Based on records we have been able to find, this revolver was very early production, produced about 1857-1858.

It does not look to have seen much service at all, and actually was converted to take rimmed centerfire cartridge ammunition at some point, most likely in the 1870s. We do not know whether the original cylinder was altered or replaced, but whichever happened, the finish matches the rest of the gun exactly. Instead of being a percussion cylinder, it has a removable back with 5 spring loaded floating firing pins inside it, all of which still move. There are three guide posts which aid in the installation, and it is exceedingly well-executed. We assume it was done by an expert gunsmith or factory.

The top strap engraving on the revolver is fully legible, and reads:-

W.R. PAPE, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE

This retailer was known at the time to trade only in the finest quality firearms available, which definitely describes this revolver well. Despite the centerfire conversion, the revolver is still fitted with a loading rammer arm on the left side of the barrel, and is marked on this with the correct W. TRANTER'S / PATENT oval marking, and there is what looks to be a W H marking stamped on the lower left frame, possibly the initials of the engraver. The upper left facet of the barrel is marked with the correct CROWN / GP "Gunmaker's Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed" markings from the London Gun Company proof house.

The revolver is in fantastic condition, with most of the original high gloss blued finish still present, indicating that this revolver was most likely kept at home as a show piece. There is of course some wear on the corners, nearly impossible to avoid, but this is one of the best examples we have ever seen of these rare revolvers. The checkered wood grip is in great shape, with the checkering still strong and showing little to no wear.

Functionally the revolver works exactly as it should, with the lower trigger cocking the action and the upper trigger firing it. It should be noted that this version of the action does not have any provision for holding the hammer in the cocked position, so the lower trigger must be held while the upper is pulled. The cylinder cycles correctly after being dry fired. The revolver can still be taken down correctly by pulling the arbor pin, retained by a lever on the right forward frame. The bore is in very good near excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and past fouling in the grooves.

To make this offering even better, it came to us with a fantastic custom wood case, which measures approximately 13 1/4" x 5 6/4" x 2 1/2", and has a large Cogswell & Harrison label applied on the inside of the lid. The case interior has different compartments inside, all green velvet lined, which are for various accessories one might use with the pistol. Included with this magnificent Tranter are a very nice small bronze powder flask, a small oiler / grease container with applicator, a flathead screwdriver, and a lovely brass tipped wooden cleaning rod. The case is lovely, and there is still a lock at the front, however there is no key, and we do not know if the lock is functional.

A wonderful example of an extremely rare percussion revolver design, converted to centerfire during the 1870s and housed in a lovely custom case. The Tranter "Treble Action" predates the later double action designs, representing an important step in firearms development. We have only ever had a handful of these before, and it is unlikely we will ever see another again any time soon, especially not one in such fantastic condition. Ready to research and display!

The Tranter revolver was a double-action cap & ball revolver invented around 1856 by English firearms designer William Tranter (1816-1890). Originally operated with a special dual-trigger mechanism (one to rotate the cylinder and cock the gun, a second to fire it) later models employed a single-trigger mechanism much the same as that found in the contemporary Beaumont-Adams revolver.

Early Tranter revolvers were generally versions of the various Robert Adams-designed revolver models, of which Tranter had produced in excess of 8000 revolvers by 1853. The first model of his own design used the frame of an Adams-type revolver, with a modification in the mechanism which he had jointly developed with James Kerr. The first model was sold under the name Tranter-Adams-Kerr.

Design and operation:
The Tranter revolver was a "solid-frame" design, very similar in appearance to the Beaumont-Adams revolver. Over the course of the 3 models Tranter developed, the only significant change was to the attachment of the ramrod- In the first model it was detachable, on the second model it was attached to the frame by a hook on the fixed barrel and the rammer was fixed to the lever, and in the third model (1856) it was attached to the frame by a screw, with the "rammer" itself attached by a screw to the lever, so it could pivot. The third model also introduced a "raked" lower bottom of the frame, reducing weight slightly.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1857
Caliber: 54 Bore - Approx. .44cal
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single / Double "Treble" Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver