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:

The side of the action is 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.

Our lovely example has top quality walnut grip plates and has the serial number of 121, which is stamped on the frame and cylinder. There is still case hardening on the frame and the cylinder still shows the decorative scene all around it.

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

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1850-1851
Caliber: .40cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 15 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.

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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.