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LOT 252
Exceptional Cased Engraved Deane, Adams & Deane Double
Action Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 7749.R., 54 bore cal., 6
3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
Deane, Adams & Deane are most famous for the production of
Robert Adams’ patented revolvers. Prior to becoming a partner,
Adams was the manager for George and John Deane until 1851.
Adams’ revolvers became popular following the Great Exhibition
of 1851 and competed with Samuel Colt’s revolvers. In February
1856, Adams left and started the London Armoury Company with
other business partners. The upper barrel flat and top strap is
signed “DEANE ADAMS & DEANE, 30. KING WILLIAMS STT LONDON
BRIDGE.” and also have a dovetailed front sight and fixed notch rear
sight. London proofmarks are on the upper left barrel flat and the
casehardened cylinder. The finely checkered grip has a blued steel
cap with a small trapdoor compartment. The case has a Deane,
Adams & Deane trade label, green baize lining, oiler, cleaning rod,
“REGISTERED/28 Nov./1851/R. ADAMS” and “1912/54” marked .44
caliber/54 bore ball/bullet mold, bag shaped Dixon & Sons powder
flask, and nipple wrench.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 90% plus original blue finish,
60% of the lightly fading original case colors, some minor spotting,
and generally only minor age and storage related wear. The grip
is excellent with crisp checkering and minimal wear. Mechanically
fine. The case and accessories are very fine with minor wear.
Overall, a very attractive cased set.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500
LOT 251
Impressive Cased Wilkinson & Son Retailer Marked Engraved
.50 Caliber Adams Patent Self-Cocking Percussion Revolver -
Serial no. 8063, 50 cal., 7 5/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut grips. Colt’s English patent expired in 1851 right as Colt
was looking to expand into Europe, and he was quickly met with a
major competitor with Robert Adams’s newly patented “self-cocking”
revolver. This c. 1851-1856 Adams patent revolver features a powerful
.50 caliber barrel and five-shot cylinder. These are sometimes referred
to as the Adams “Dragoon” revolver to separate them from the more
common .44 caliber revolvers. “WILKINSON & SON, PALL MALL,
LONDON” is marked across the top. The left side of the frame is marked
“ADAMS/1851/PATENT”, and the right side has “ADAMS’ PATENT. No
30,375.R”. The casehardened cylinder is serial numbered “8063” on
the rear, and the same number appears to be stamped on the frame
behind the trigger guard. The cylinder and upper left of the barrel
have London proof marks. The frame and mounts also have border
and scroll engraving. The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed front
sight, and a fixed notch rear sight is at the rear of the top strap. The
checkered walnut grip’s pommel cap has a small hinged compartment.
The revolver comes in a mahogany case with green baize lining,
Wilkinson & Son trade label, oiler, cleaning rod, Adams patent 38 bore ball/bullet mold, 38 bore punch, screwdriver, bag with lead bullets, a bag shaped powder flask, and spare mainspring.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as period retailer refinished and since scarcely used with 95% plus high polish blue finish, 80% plus of the lightly fading case colors, crisp engraving and retailer marking, some more faded other
markings, and fairly minor overall age and storage related wear including some slight oxidation. The grip is very fine and has crisp checkering and minimal handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and
accessories are very fine with minor age and storage related wear.
Overall, this is a stunning cased set featuring a powerful .50 caliber
Adams revolver.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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