Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a rare Massachusetts Arms Co. manufactured Adams Patent Double Action Pocket Percussion Revolver, manufactured under license circa 1857-61. In 1857 Massachusetts Arms entered into an agreement to provide 500 of the “belt” sized (.36 caliber), Beaumont-Adams Patent revolvers to the U.S. Ordnance Department.

At the same time, Massachusetts Arms developed and produced a scaled down, .31 caliber “pocket” variant of the belt revolver, which would fit nicely in a vest, trouser, or coat pocket. This revolver was marketed to the civilian market, as a more robust and safer alternative to the Colt Model 1849 “Pocket” revolver. The Adams patent guns were easier to get into action quickly due to their self-cocking, double action lockwork, and also offered a frame mounted sliding safety on the right side of the revolver. Both of these features made the Mass Arms revolver more suited to carry in a pocket, as opposed to a holster. Much like the larger belt revolver, the pocket revolver was a 5 shot percussion pistol with the traditional hump-backed Adams style checkered walnut grip.

According to American Percussion Revolvers by Sellers and Smith, total production for the Adams Patent Pocket Revolvers manufactured by the Mass. Arms Co. between 1857 and 1861 was approximately 4,500 guns. They were available in 3¼" and 4¼" barrel lengths, with the latter being far more rare, with only an estimated 200 made during the middle of production. This rarer length was also available in both round and octagonal shapes, with production split relatively evenly. In 1861, Mass. Arms abandoned revolver production to concentrate on producing carbines for the U.S. Ordnance Department.

This is one of the 4,300 or so pocket revolvers made with the more common 3¼" barrel length, which still makes it quite rare. It looks to have had a professional refinish / reconditioning at some point in the past, which was very well done. The original markings on the top strap of the frame are still fully legible:-

MADE FOR ADAMS REVOLVING ARMS CO. N.Y.
BY MASS. ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS
PATENT MAY 3.1853. JUNE 3.1856. APL.7.1857.

The revolver is marked with serial number 4761 on the lower left frame, and on the side of the cylinder, and is otherwise unmarked, as is correct. Condition is very good, with the reblued finish very well retained throughout the revolver. The checkered walnut grip is lovely, showing only light wear and no damage such a cracks or chunks missing.

The revolver cycles well in both double and single action, without any major functional deficiencies to note. The loading rammer on the left side of the barrel is a bit loose however, and can sometimes interfere with cycling. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is definitely some light wear from use and cleaning. and the finish in the grooves is partly dark, but overall this is really good considering the age and era of the revolver. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing little in the way from oxidation and powder burn, though they do show significant mushrooming from hammer strikes.

A lovely example of a hard to find Civil War era pistol by Massachusetts Arms Co, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860-1861
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3¼" inches
Overall Length: 7⅝" inches
Action: Double / Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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