Page 243 - 4093-BOOK2

The cylinder is loaded via a small hinged door at the front of the
front plate and has scroll and border engraving. Unlike the Wheeler
and Collier revolvers, the gun is fired via a lock that provides ignition
into a breech chamber to the rear of the cylinder. The faceted
lock has ornate scroll and floral engraving, a nicely engraved and
sculpted cock with dolphin shaped reinforcement to the neck, and a
faceted rainproof priming pan with small drain slit. The mounts are
gilt brass and feature scroll and floral patterns. The forend and stock
have attractive raised relief foliate carving and extensive wire inlays.
The forend has a dark horn cap, and the butt has a large rounded
cheekpiece on the left.
CONDITION: Fine as partially restored with silver-gray patina on the
lock and barrel, distinct Damascus patterns on the latter as well as
some minor pitting, bright cylinder and gilt mounts, some blued
small parts, small repairs such as to the trigger guard finial, and
general mild overall wear. The re-oiled wood is also fine and has
crisp carving, attractive figure, and beautiful wire inlays with some
small pieces of inlay loose and minor chips. Mechanically
fine. Overall, an incredibly rare and significant early
revolving firearm. Guns like this one paved the way for
the advancements of Samuel Colt and the widespread
adoption of revolvers in the 19th century, including
later copies of Colt’s designs made at Tula.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 40,000 - 80,000
241