Hybrid percussion revolver.

[Lo.Com.Denom]

Got this little cap-'n-ball DAO revolver (as a belated Christmas present) from an auctioneer friend of mine. I make it a .36 cal, six chambered, with a Colt-style front end on an Adams-style frame.

A few little distinguishing touches: each chamber is numbered and carries a proof-mark (illegible). The V-notch back-sight sits on a little cap-shield. Has a push-in spring safety to keep the hammer off the nipples. Through the rampant corrosion on top of the barrel, you can just see the letters "...RE"

Overall, it's in a bit of a poor state and the wedge is rusted in place, so I can't remove the barrel. Annoying, since a bullet has been stuck halfway down the barrel by a squib load. The gun won't cycle reliably and the timing looks to be shot, too.

So, any guesses as to it's origins, or maker? I know that it's pretty much worthless (it's going to a gunsmith anyway. I don't like the thought of leaving it to rust away completely), but what's your take on it? I reckon it's Belgian, FWIW. The fact that it's a six-shooter rather than five, makes me think that it's not British.

 

[Jim K]

I first thought of its being English and took a look in my books on English revolvers of that era with no luck. One that has a lot of similarities is a cartridge gun that Taylerson describes as a "nameless self-cocking 'Birmingham' rimfire revolver in .380 cal. Made from components designed for cheap percussion revolvers, but not a conversion." He doesn't say how many chambers are in the cylinder.

That may take it out of the "super expensive collectible" category. Sorry I can't be more help; perhaps others may have some other information.

Jim

 

[georgeduz]

this that a pinfire hammer?

 

[Lo.Com.Denom]

It's poor quality, certainly -- even it's age and condition can't disguise that, when you handle it. Hmm, it seems that the closest match I can get is a Webley-Bentley, illustrated in "The Handgun" by Boothroyd. Bentley made several variations of this type and various small gunshops pirated cheap copies of it. Seems like cheap, unlicensed copies of all types of revolver were common in the UK and on the continent. Guess we'll never know where this one came from, seeing as I can't read the proof-marks.

I wish somebody would write the definitive book on European percussion revolvers...

Maybe I should send some pictures to these folks:

http://www.littlegun.be/index.htm

this that a pinfire hammer?

Nope, definitely percussion.

Well, thanks for your help anyway guys.