Page 217 - 4096-BOOK2

LOT 1240
Extraordinary Well-Documented Cased Maharaja Quality Deluxe Engraved, Gilt, and
R. B. Rodda & Co. Retailer Marked William Tranter Model 1863 Army Double Action
Rimfire Revolver with Relief Carved Ebony Grip and Extra Cylinder - Serial no. 5729,
442 cal., 6 3/8 inch octagon bbl., gold/nitre blue finish, ebony grips. This spectacular revolver
is featured and discussed on pages 113 and 114 of “The Firearms Of William Tranter” by Ron
Stewart and is noted as “quite different from any of the other Model 1863 Army revolvers
noted. This is a ‘Special Order’ set, probably shipped by Rodda & Co. to Indian ‘in the white’
for engraving, finishing, and casing there...Also of interest is the fact that this double-action
revolver has no raised cylinder stops, this being the only one of the double-action type of this
revolver to have this feature recorded to date.” It is also noted as the highest serial number
recorded for this particular model before the Model 1868 revolvers. It is also featured and
discussed on pages 56 and 57 of “Tranter Cartridge Firearms” by Black, Guerin, and Michaud. It
features extensive scroll engraving, beaded backgrounds, gilt finish, nitre blued small parts, “R.
B. RODDA & Co LONDON & CALCUTTA” retailer mark on the top of the barrel, “W. TRANTER’S/
PATENT” marked on the ejector arm, “W.T” on the front of the frame, “W. TRANTER’S/
PATENT/5729” on the left, “1526” on the bottom of the barrel at the breech,
“93” on the loading gate, and a beautifully relief carved ebony grip. The
beautiful ebony case features elaborately engraved brass mounts, “BY
APPOINTMENT/R. B. RODDA/GUN MAKERS/LONDON & CALCUTTA” in gilt
lettering on the inside of the lid along with the coat of arms and scrollwork,
the extra matching engraved cylinder, an empty cartridge block, gilt oiler,
screwdriver, and rod. R. B. Rodda & Co. were among the most significant
arms dealers in India into the 20th century, and many of their finest arms
were owned by members of the Indian nobility as well as wealthy Englishmen.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with crisp engraving and markings, 70% original gilt
finish, 60% plus original nitre blue finish, smooth gray patina on the balance, and
fairly minor overall wear. The grip is excellent and has crisp carving and minor dings
and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some cracks, moderate
wear, crisp engraving, and attractively aged patina on the brass mounts.
Estimate: 14,000 - 25,000
As pictured & described in
The Firearms of William
Tranter by Stewart & Tranter
Cartridge Firearms by Black,
Guerin and Michaud
215