Original Item. Only One Available. Introduced in 1850 by the newly incorporated Massachusetts Arms Company, the .31cal pocket model revolver was one of the first real competitors to Samuel Colt. It featured a cylinder that rotated when the revolver was cocked, as well as cap nipples directly behind the chambers, like most revolvers of the period. As with all pocket designs, they were popular as private purchase secondary weapons for officers.

The original design for these revolvers 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. Daniel Wesson one of the three principals of the company, who then broke away and started Smith & Wesson in 1855.

The end result of this was that the revolver designs of the company had to be completely redesigned to avoid further lawsuits from Colt. The cylinder advance mechanism was completely removed, and replaced by a manual lock on the cylinder, which was rotated by hand. The nipples on the back of the cylinder were removed, replaced with a single nipple on the frame, which attached to a Maynard tape primer system, as used on the Model 1855 Springfield Rifled Musket.

From 1851 - 1860, about 2500 of these tape primer pocket revolvers were produced. They all featured engraved frames and etched cylinders, with a door that rotates around the hammer for refilling the tape primer. 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, especially with the tape primer system negating the need for fitting caps to the cylinder.

The top of the cylinder strap is deeply marked with the Mass. Arms Co. address:

The side of the action has a door for the tape primer system, which shows a U.S. Federal Eagle surrounded by further markings related to the Maynard Patent:

Our lovely example has top quality walnut grip plates, however verdigris from the brass grip frame has pretty much glued them in place, so we were not able to remove them without risking damage. The front of the action is marked with assembly number 291, while the cylinder arbor pin and alignment wedge on the barrel are marked with serial number 1133. The barrel lock is marked with patent date NOV. 25 1850, however it was stamped unevenly and not fully legible.

The revolver is in very good condition, still retaining a good amount of the original blued finish on the barrel, barrel latch, and on the right side of the action. The rest is faded to a lovely gray oxidized patina of age, though there is no evidence of past major oxidation, just wear from age and use. The walnut grips look great, and have a lovely finish, with the expected wear and light denting from use and age. The plating on the brass back strap and trigger guard is well retained, showing wear around the edges with oxidation of the plating.

The revolver functions well, as the much simplified action was quite robust. There is no half cock position on the hammer, as it was not needed with the primer system, however we did note that the central hub for the primer system is missing, and it seems to have been disconnected from the lock. The cylinder lock works perfectly, releasing when pressed inwards and allowing the cylinder to be advanced by hand. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, and the revolver looks to have seen light use during its service life.

In just wonderful condition this is extremely rare and totally ready to display with pride!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1851 - 1860
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball with Tape Primer
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 3/4 inches
Action: Manual Hammer & Cylinder Advance
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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