Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1938.1.1000 |
Object Name |
Revolver |
Description |
Black metal Revolver, 5.5 inch barrel with a shell loader. Serial # B15,401; Adams Patd. #29066R on bullet chamber. E & G Harlan, 32 Berry St., Liverpool, England. English, 5-shot black powder, double-action percussion revolver, one of a matched pair marketed by E & G Higham, 32 Berry St. Liverpool. Cylinder chambers measure .450". Date of manufacture unknown, but these are Civil War-vintage pistols, designed in the 1850's and produced until about 1880. The Adams was the first successful double action revolver, designed in 1851. It was also the first revolver to be made with a solid, one-piece frame. In fact the frame AND barrel were forged from one solid piece, which made it super strong, compared to the flimsy, open-top Colts' of the period. The Beaumont patent added in 1856 allowed the gun to be cocked and fired "single-action" as well as firing each shot with a single pull of the trigger, "double-action". |
Caption |
Revolver |
Provenance |
Owned by William Thompson. Donated by Howard Thompson. One of a matched set - see #1001 Percussion cap, double action revolvers, British military style, double action pistols. The cylinder contains five shots of .450 British ball. |
Title |
Adams Patent 1851 English Percussion Revolver |
Owned |
William Thompson |
Available Media |
Paul Nickels Report 10-1-21.pdf |