ENGLISH ADAMS PATENT SELF-COCKING .36 CALIBER NAVY REVOLVER

ENGLISH ADAMS PATENT SELF-COCKING .36 CALIBER NAVY REVOLVER

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$695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-1619

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Of the many arms imported from Europe during the 1850s and 1860s, there were only a few that were considered worthy of service in the United States and Confederate Armies. A prime example is the Adams Revolver.

These self-cocking revolvers were invented by the Englishman Robert Adams. At the time of the weapon's initial creation, he was manager for the London House of George & John Deane. This company was well respected in the trade but, it was the Great Exhibition of 1851 which brought Adam's invention to prominence. The firearm won a prize medal in the category of double and single guns and pistols properly finished.

Subsequently, Adams went into partnership with John Deane, Jr. and Sr. to form Deane, Adams and Deane, the company that originally produced Adam’s invention. The company's office was based in Bermondsey, and had a factory on Weston Street.

On August 22, 1851, Robert Adams earned an English Patent for his Revolver. These early models, that were produced in Pocket, Navy and dragoon sizes, lacked a few important amenities which made the design somewhat unpopular. They had no recoil shield behind the cylinder, which meant that the shooter was often subjected to back flash. The early models also lacked a rammer. Samuel Colt's fine arms utilized this feature quite efficiently. Additionally, to the deficiency of a recoil shield and rammer, the early arms were also missing a hammer spur, which meant that they could not be hand cocked.

James Kerr furthered the weapon's progress by creating a well-designed loading lever. The beauty of this design was that the lever lay alongside the left side of the barrel. The lever swiveled on a screw which was an extension of a barrel lug.

This revolver is well worn with no original finish remaining. Most edges have been rounded and the metal has oxidized down to a mottled gun metal gray. It is a 5 shot .36 caliber self-cocking revolver with a 3 ¼ inch barrel. Overall, the weapon is about 8 inches. It features two-piece panel walnut grips secured by a single screw. Each cylinder and the underside of the barrel are stamped with English proof marks. The right frame is marked “PATENT 2790” but, somewhat worn. The top of the barrel is marked “ADAMS LONDON but, also worn. The action functions when the trigger is activated but, is somewhat sloppy. The loading lever is complete and locks up tight. Original front bead and pinched rear sights are in place. The inside rear of the trigger guard has a section of newer lightly rusted file marks but, the original exterior does not show any signs of being repaired.

Overall, an example of a Civil War period English revolver that saw a lot of action somewhere.  [stp][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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