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LOT 3257
Exceptional Joseph Harkom Retailer Cased and Marked Beaumont-Adams Double
Action Percussion Revolver with Accessories - Serial no. 21,590R., 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
blue finish, walnut grips. The 1855 patented Beaumont-
Adams revolvers were improved double action versions of the original Adams self-cocking revolver patented
in 1851. These revolvers are arguably better overall than Samuel Colt’s famed percussion revolvers and are largely responsible for driving the closure of Colt’s London factory. They are sturdier, have more
secure and reliable safety mechanisms, higher rates of fire, and better sights. These revolvers have assembly/sequence numbers for both Robert Adams and Lieutenant Frederick E.B.
Beaumont to keep track of royalties due to each man. The right side of the frame has “B. 5998/ ADAMS’ PATENT No. 21,590R,” and the cylinder has “21,590/R.” and alternating London proof and
view marks. The once-piece barrel and frame group also has a dovetailed blade
front sight, “JOSH HARKOM. 32 PRINCES STT EDINBURGH.” on the top of the top strap and barrel,
notch rear sight, London “crown/GP” and “crown/V” proof and view marks on the upper left barrel
flat, loading lever on the left side, a sliding safety on the right side of the frame, and a checkered
walnut grip. The case has a Harkom retailer label inside the lid and is English fitted to the revolver
and the following accessories: oiler, bag shaped powder flask, screwdriver, nipple wrench, cap
tin, Robert Adams patent marked dual cavity bullet mold, and bore rod. There is also a lidded
compartment with an additional cap tin and the key, and a bag of old conical bullets is included.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel/frame assembly and cylinder, mostly gray patina on the trigger guard and grip cap which have traces of original blue, minor edge wear, light scratches and marks, and minor wear. The grip is also very fine and has dark oiled finish and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with mild storage wear including some compression marks and light staining/fading on the lining and minor cracks in the case body. This is a very fine example of Samuel Colt’s main English competition in the 1850s and 1860s.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
front, a sliding safety on the right, “ADAMS’S & TRANTER’S PATENT No 19362.T.” on the right side of the frame, and a checkered grip. “63” is also on the back of the rammer and cylinder and likely in more concealed areas. It comes in a hardwood case with Cogswell & Harrison trade label and the following accessories: “D&J/IMPROVED” capper, F. Joyce & Co. cap tin, oil bottle, Dixon & Sons powder flask, nipple wrench, and a “54” marked bullet mold. CONDITION: Very fine with the majority of the smoky case colors on the cylinder, 75% original blue finish, some light oxidation, and mostly bright rammer, hammer, and trigger. The grip is very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth finish, and faint handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and the accessories are fine with moderate storage wear including the key hole plate absent, staining and tears on the lining, and scratches and dings. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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LOT 3258
Very Fine Cogswell & Harrison Marked and Cased Adams & Tranter Patent Double Action Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 19362.T, 44 cal., 6 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, checkered walnut grips. This 54 bore (.44 caliber) revolver is essentially a Beaumont- Adams revolver fitted with a Kerr patent rammer (rammer head installed flipped). It has a band of engraving at the muzzle, a fancy post front sight, London proof and view marks on the upper left at the breech and cylinder, lined borders, “COGSWELL & HARRISON. 223. & 224. STRAND. LONDON.” on top of the trop strap and upper barrel flat, a notch rear sight at the rear of the two-screw frame, “HH” on the left side of the frame at the
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