Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. Introduced in 1851 by the newly incorporated Massachusetts Arms Company in 1850, this was the first real competitor to Samuel Colt. The design was covered under patents filed by Wesson and Leavitt, but unfortunately it appears that the "new" Revolver infringed on at least three of Colt's patents. In 1851, Samuel Colt filed and won a historic patent infringement lawsuit against the Massachusetts Arms Company. This caused production to be stopped after approximately only 800 were manufactured. Daniel Wesson one of the three principals of the company, who then broke away and started Smith & Wesson in 1855.
This incredibly rare heavy dragoon revolver is beautifully made and features a side hammer, a heavy six shot cylinder, and a long and 7 inch barrel. It handles more like an arm cannon than a revolver! The design features a unique way of unhooking the barrel, which then folds upwards to allow the cylinder to be completely removed in order to be reloaded and then reassembled. It was apparently also considered that extra cylinders could be kept, already loaded, allowing a substantial rate of fire for the 1850s.
The top of the cylinder is marked with the Mass. Arms Co. address:
MASS. ARMS CO.
CHICOPEE FALLS
The side of the lock is correctly marked WESSON'S & LEAVITT'S PATENT, and there is also patent information stamped on the back of the cylinder and on the cylinder advance inside of the action.
On the back of the cylinder the markings are a bit faint, but still legible with a magnifier"
LEAVITT'S PATENT APRIL 29.1837
On the front of the action the rotating ring is clearly marked with:
WESSON'S PATENT AUG. 28. 1849
Our lovely example has a top quality walnut grip, which shows a lovely color and finish, though there is a wood filler repair by the rear of the trigger guard. We attempted to remove the grips to look for the serial number, however over a century of cleaning and waxing have made them difficult to remove, and we did not want to risk damage.
The metal finish is lovely, with a lot of the original bluing on the barrel and top strap, as well as on the grip frame. The action and other components are now mostly faded to a lovely gray patina, most likely originally case hardened. The barrel tenon that locks into the cylinder arbor pin is marked with serial number 741, which is not marked anywhere else that we can see. There is also assembly number 67 stamped on the front of the action.
The revolver functions flawlessly, and looks to have seen very little firing use. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers of this age. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of fouling and oxidation close to the breech end. Really an exceptional bore for a Pre Civil War percussion revolver.
In just wonderful condition, this is a true opportunity for the discerning collector of early American firearms designs. In lovely condition and ready to display with pride!
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1850-1851
Caliber: .40cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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