This pistol has no maker, retailer, or patent markings, only two small proof stamps on the underside of the barrel, but follows the general lines of the Adams self-cocking, or double action revolvers with a five-shot cylinder, no provision for single-action use, and thus no use for a hammer spur. Numerous prewar newspaper advertisements by dealers in major cities like New Orleans and Charleston make clear the Adams was a popular import in the south. The lack of markings, other than the proofs and some well done floral scroll engraving, suggests it may be an imposition made for sale to a non-British market.

The bore measures about .38, making it an 80-bore revolver, a popular caliber for pocket or belt revolvers. The metal is smooth, largely steel gray, but with some thin blue on the octagonal barrel near the frame and particularly on the left side where the loading assembly shielded it from wear, and on the frame spring. The  left and right frame is engraved with floral scrolls, picked up in two spots on the backstrap, the underside of the triggerguard, and reflected in nested leaves on the barrel top flat at the breech. The forward edge of the cylinder is engraved short curving and straight lines, producing what look like small tombstones, or teeth. The base of the v-notch rear sight has a starburst of lines spraying forward. The grips are very good, with nice color, fine checkering and no chips, dings or cracks.

This is a good example of an early double-action revolver, but would also fit in a display of antebellum arms typical of those advertised for sale by southern military and sporting goods dealers, more than a few of which ended up taken into service by gentlemen officers at the beginning of the war.  [sr] [ph:m]

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