Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice service worn British Adams model 1851 percussion revolver, which were exported in some number during the U.S. Civil war. Also imported were the later Beaumont-Adams revolvers, based on advances by Lieutenant Frederick E. B. Beaumont of the Royal Engineers. This is a double action only 5 shot revolver with NO hammer spur, so there is no provision at all for single action at all. In close quarters firing however, there is often little need or time to use a revolver in single action. Double action revolvers were often less expensive than double/single action examples, so they remained popular.

This example was made by the original partnership between Adams and Dean & Son, as indicated by the markings on the top strap, which are now partly worn away, with the markings on the barrel more well preserved.

In 1851, English designer Robert Adams offered his “improved” repeater. Like the Colt, it had a cylinder and single barrel, but the shooter had merely to pull the trigger in one smooth action to cock the piece, rotate its cylinder and fire it. In fact, the revolver could only be fired double-action and lacked a hammer spur. Adams formed a partnership with the father-and-son team of George and John Deane, and established a London manufacturing facility and salesroom.

This revolver is correctly marked with a faint ADAMS PATENT on the right side of the revolver, which is next to serial number № 9126 R, also found on the cylinder. We previously had serial "7413 R", which was in the same configuration. There are also the correct CROWN / V "viewed" and CROWN / P "proof" marks on the barrel and cylinder from the London proof house. There is also the CROWN / GP "gunmaker's proof" as well.

The revolver is in good condition, showing relatively heavy past oxidation to the exterior, which was then cleaned away, unfortunately to the detriment of the engraving and markings that once were on the frame. There is further engraving on the butt cap and trigger guard, which is more well retained, and overall it's a very elegant looking revolver. It functions well, with a crisp action and solid indexing, though there is definitely some wear and slop.

The barrel is in good shape, with clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish, without any major corrosion issues. The hammer stop for reloading is present and functional, though a bit worn, and currently the cylinder axis pin cannot be removed. The checkered wooden grip is in good shape, without any major wear to the texture, though there is some chipping around the bottom and near where it meets the grip frame.

This is a fascinating example that could well be included in any U.S. Civil War Collection. Just splendid and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: .442
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 6 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 11 3/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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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.

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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.