Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very scarce small American percussion revolver of the pre-Civil War era, patented by James Warner and produced at the Springfield Arms Co. of Springfield, Massachusetts. Warner had patented various revolver designs in different calibers, all of which were manufactured by Springfield Arms in the 1850s-1860s. This small pocket revolver is often called the 1851 due to the year of introduction, and shows the distinctive groove running around the cylinder between the recesses for the cap nipple cones. From what we can tell, only about 350 or so of these small pocket or vest revolvers were made, some of which had double triggers, or just a single trigger, such as this example.

The revolver is Six Shot in .28 caliber measuring 6 ½" overall with 2 ½" barrels. As is correct, there are no markings on the revolver except for WARNER'S PATENT on the side of the cylinder, along with other decorative engraved designs. The frame has some great floral engraving, while the rest of the revolver is unadorned. We were not able to find any serial number, however the right side of the frame under the grip is marked 1 A, which is also marked on the underside of the cylinder top strap. We were not able to find any other assembly numbers on other components. The Warner Patent revolvers are actually relatively complex in design, using a series of channels and cuts on the rear of the cylinder, as opposed to a traditional ratchet. The design definitely has a lot of features that did not show up on later percussion revolvers.

The metalwork has a lovely aged patina overall, showing some areas of peppering and light pitting, so this definitely looks to have seen a good amount of service over the years. The engraving on the revolver is relatively well retained, though it can be hard to see due to oxidation. The walnut grips are in good shape, showing some wear and staining, but still have much of the original "piano varnish" finish used by many makers during the time.

Functionally, the revolver works well and is single action only. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers of this age. We checked the bore, and the revolver is a smoothbore, with no signs of ever having been rifled. The surface is mostly bright, with some areas of light oxidation and fouling. Five of the six cap nipple cones on the cylinder are present, showing a lot of oxidation and damage from hammer strikes.

A very nice patinated example of a hard to find mid 19th Century U.S. Percussion revolver. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1851
Caliber: .28 cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 2 ½ inches
Overall Length: 6 ½ inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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