Original Item: Only One Available. The Beaumont–Adams revolver is a muzzle-loading, double-action, percussion revolver. It was originally adopted by the British Army in .442 calibre (54-bore, 11.2mm) as a modification of the Adams revolver already in service. On 20 February 1856, Lieutenant Frederick E. B. Beaumont of the Royal Engineers had been granted a British patent for improvements to the Adams revolver which allowed them to be cocked and fired either by manually cocking the hammer as in Colt single-action revolvers, or by just pulling the trigger. Beaumont was granted a US Patent (no. 15,032) on 3 June of the same year. Once production started, the revised revolver was so popular the Colt was forced to shut down their London factory due to lack of sales.

This example still retains some of the original color, and is marked on the top of the barrel strap:-

It is also marked with PATENT № 1685 on the left frame under the cylinder, giving the serial number, but otherwise does not have any other maker markings. The left underside facet of the octagonal barrel is marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "black powder proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the city of Birmingham. There are additional "viewed" marks on the cylinder, one next to each cap nipple cone. This city was well known for its firearms industry, which supplied many guns to smaller gun shops and outfitters, as well as larger operations such as Adams.

These revolvers were extremely popular with British serving Officers, who were expected to supply their own sidearms. This is a 5 shot revolver which features a loading lever on the left side of the barrel which when raised rammed the paper cartridge into the front of the cylinder. There were also various other loading designs that were used over the life time of the revolver. In fine overall condition, the checkered wood grip has lost 2 chunks of wood on the left side, easily repaired if desired. Blue Grey finish overall, a fine example that could have seen service all over the Empire.

The revolver functions well in both single and double action, though it can be a bit finicky, particularly in double action. Sometimes the trigger does not engage the hammer, so it will not move out of the way for the cylinder to advance. In single action mode we really didn't notice any functional issues. We checked the bore, and the three groove rifling is still in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation on the interior, now cleaned away.

A great example of very popular Victorian British percussion revolver design, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1862–1870
Caliber: .442 (54-bore)
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Single / Double Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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