Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive early production James Reid “My Friend” .22 rimfire seven shot knuckle duster pepperbox revolver, serial number 5806, manufactured at Catskill, New York, circa 1868-1870. One of the most distinctive American pocket arms of the post Civil War period, the “My Friend” combined a compact seven chamber revolving barrel cluster with a heavy loop shaped brass frame that could also be grasped as a knuckle duster. Particularly interesting on this example is the surviving sliding safety mechanism on the lower front of the frame, a feature associated with earlier brass framed examples and frequently absent from later production.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

James Reid was an Irish born gunsmith who became active in New York during the 1860s. By the early 1860s he was listed in New York City as a pistol maker, and he later relocated to Catskill, New York, where he established the operation most closely associated with his famous “My Friend” revolvers. Reid's compact knuckle duster pistols became his best known products and were manufactured in several rimfire calibers, with the seven shot .22 version becoming by far the most successful.

The design was protected by James Reid's U.S. Patent No. 51,752, issued on December 26, 1865. The patent specifically described a revolving firearm with a cluster of short barrels mounted on a central pin and also illustrated the weapon being grasped for use as a hand held striking implement. This combination of repeating firearm and knuckle duster was therefore fundamental to the design rather than simply a later collector nickname.

This example is chambered for .22 rimfire and uses a seven chamber revolving barrel cluster. The top strap above the cylinder is marked:

MY FRIEND PAT'D DEC 26 1865

as presently read on the pistol. The marking is somewhat difficult to decipher because it appears to have been double struck, possibly from the stamp bouncing during application.

Serial number:

5806

is stamped beneath the low profile trigger. The rear of the barrel cluster and the end of the cylinder arbor pin are additionally marked with the abbreviated assembly number:

6

consistent with the final digit of the main serial number.

The brass frame was originally plated, and traces of the original silver or nickel colored finish remain around the trigger and along the lower sides of the frame beneath the cylinder. Most of the plating has worn away through age and handling, leaving an attractive mustard colored brass patina over the majority of the frame. The original factory scroll and punch dot style engraving remains very well defined and gives the pistol considerably more visual character than many heavily worn surviving examples.

One of the most interesting features of this example is the sliding safety located at the lower front of the frame. The operating lever remains present and can still be moved. Early brass framed “My Friend” revolvers are documented both with and without this safety arrangement, while later production generally dispensed with it. On this pistol the safety does not remain particularly secure and can slide out of position relatively easily, so it should be regarded as an interesting surviving mechanical feature rather than relied upon as a functional modern safety device.

The action remains mechanically responsive during careful manual inspection and did not exhibit the finicky behavior sometimes encountered on these small revolvers. The barrel cluster indexes as the action is cycled, and the hammer releases correctly. The barrel cluster can be removed readily from the central arbor for loading, unloading, and cleaning.

The seven chambers are clear and show some light evidence of old oxidation and fouling, but we do not see major obstruction or serious internal damage. As with any firearm of this age, these observations describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to fire.

The overall combination of exposed brass patina and surviving dark plating gives the pistol a particularly attractive untouched appearance. The engraving remains unusually well preserved, especially around the frame and grip loop, while the low profile hammer and trigger contribute to the smooth, snag resistant form that made the design suitable for pocket carry.

With its early serial number 5806, seven shot .22 rimfire configuration, surviving sliding safety, extensive original engraving, remnants of the original plated finish, and unmistakable knuckle duster frame, this is a particularly appealing example of James Reid's famous “My Friend.” It represents one of the more unusual American attempts to combine a repeating pocket firearm with a secondary hand defense weapon and would make an excellent addition to a collection of post Civil War handguns, American pepperbox revolvers, unusual pocket pistols, or James Reid firearms.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1867
Maker: James Reid
Caliber: .22cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 1/2 inch
Overall Length: 4 1/8 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

Stored and shipped from our PA location; not available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Please check all local laws before ordering.