Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very interesting Ottoman-made Colt-style five shot about 36 caliber Revolver, marked on the top of the barrel with CAP. SYSTEM BY AMERICAIN. It is also marked PATENT SYSTEM on the right side of the frame, meant to look like a U.S. produced revolver. These were intended for private sale to European Officers participating in the CRIMEAN WAR circa 1855. Fitted with a 3 3/4" octagonal barrel and a 2" long cylinder, which is most unusual, this may resemble a Colt Percussion Revolver but it is no such thing. It even has serial number 10463 marked in several places, just like a Colt-style revolver made in the U.S.

Most interesting is that the backstrap has been engraved:-

CAP"T H. BETTS CSA

Well how does one explain that? Maybe a British Officer "Observing" the Civil War sold or gifted this revolver to a C.S.A. Officer of that name, the scenario fits but is perhaps wishful thinking. The revolver has crude Turkish engraving and as far as condition goes, it's seen better days and a lot of wear/abuse. Nevertheless an interesting find.

The revolver still can cock and dry fire, but the action of the cylinder is unfortunately very worn, so it does not index or cycle properly. The hand and ratchet are worn, so it often does not advance, and the cylinder lock is not working, so even at full cock the cylinder can be rotated by hand. We did check the bore, and it does still show clear rifling, with the expected wear and fouling due to age and use.

A very interesting Crimean War revolver, possibly connected to the U.S. Civil war. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: .35cal
Ammunition Type: Percussion Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.