Item:
ON11279

Original U.S. James Reid "My Friend" Knuckle Duster Pocket Pepperbox Revolver serial 10342 - c.1870

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. In .22 Caliber these very impressive little pepperbox revolvers were the brain child of Irish immigrant James Reid, who arrived in New York City in 1865 from BELFAST in Northern Ireland. Shortly afterwards, for health reasons he moved to the Catskill Mountains in New York State and set up his own manufacturing operation to produce this wonderful little revolver.

The concept was simple, this revolver carries SEVEN .22 caliber rimfire cartridges in the pepperbox style cylinder. However, it was also designed so that by adjusting how it was being held, it could be used as a knuckle duster for self defense. Most certain the name "MY FRIEND" became most appropriate. It is marked above the cylinder with:

MY FRIEND PAT'D DEC 26 1864

Our example retains about 50% of it's original Nickel Finish which is extremely unusual, as most have almost all missing. The steel cylinder only has traces of the plating on the front. It is in full working order as far as we can tell, though the lockup can miss as the action is a bit worn. The cylinder removes easily for reloading and cleaning. It bears serial number 10342 below the low profile trigger, while the back of the cylinder and trigger itself are marked with shorter number 42.

Already almost 150 years of age, this is an exceptional small revolver, retaining almost all its original factory engraving and part of the original Nickel finish. From an old U.S. Collection amassed in the 1960's and in storage since then.

Just beautiful and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .22cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 inch
Overall Length: 4.5 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles