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:

Our example, like many we see on the market, has lost almost all of the original nickel plating on the brass frame. There is dark patination in a lot of areas, possibly the remains of some plating, or just from oxidation and wear. It is in full working order as far as we can tell, and did not exhibit any finicky behavior when cycled. The cylinder removes easily for reloading and cleaning. There is some of the spring cover under the cylinder missing, though the retaining pins are still present. It bears serial number 8993 below the low profile trigger, while the back of the cylinder and end of the cylinder arbor pin are marked with shorter number 93.

Already almost 150 years of age, this is an exceptional small revolver, retaining almost all its original factory engraving. Recently purchased at private auction and therefore fresh to the market.

Just lovely and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1868
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.

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.