Original Item: Only One Available. Founded by SULLIVAN FOREHAND and HENRY C. WADSWORTH in 1871, revolvers made by this company are exceedingly rare on the market. Both men shared the same Father-in-law, the famous Gun Maker ETHAN ALLEN who died in 1871. After this many of the gunsmiths he mentored went out into business on their own.

In 1873 they produced their 1873 ARMY MODEL Revolver in .44 Russian, however they were unfortunately too late to compete with COLT and REMINGTON, who had already secured almost all of the Government and State Contracts. As such they primarily produced firearms for the consumer market, where pocket pistols were very popular.

Here we offer a rare example of a .22RF single action pocket revolver, fully nickel plated with lovely checkered "gutta percha" grips. Per Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values this is one approximately 1,000 Forehand & Wadsworth Side Hammer 22 Revolvers manufactured in the 1870s. The top of the barrel still bears the correct two line address and patent marking:

Serial number 40355 is shown on the grip frame under the scales, on the underside of the barrel, and on the rear of the cylinder. This is definitely an ALL MATCHING example. Unfortunately, this very rare revolver has seen better days in terms of its mechanical operation. The ratchet on the cylinder and hand are worn, so it does not advance correctly. The trigger spring also looks to be broken, so it will not hold at full cock unless the trigger is held forward. The spring for the cylinder lock is also broken, so it spins freely.

Cosmetically, the revolver is in great shape. It still has most of the original nickel plating, and the markings are all strong. the checkered gutta percha grips still have almost all of their texture and a great look, though the right scale is missing a chunk on the rear.

A very nice Forehand & Wadsworth .22 Side Hammer revolver with some mechanical issues, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1870s
Caliber: .22RF
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 5 1/2 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

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 most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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 most addresses within the United States.