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Historical Profusely Engraved and Presentation Inscribed Adams Patent Double Action Revolver with Ca

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Historical Profusely Engraved and Presentation Inscribed Adams Patent Double Action Revolver with Ca
Blade front and notch rear sights, with "ADAMS'S PATENT SMALL ARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 591STRAND, LONDON" running along the top strap and upper barrel flat, and "TRADE (AJ monogram) MARK" and "ADAMS'S/ PATENT" in ovals on the right side of the frame. Scroll engraving is present on the barrel, trigger guard and frame, along with straight line borders and floral patterns. The cylinder is inscribed "PRESENTED/ BY THE/ IMPERIAL BRITISH EAST AFRICA/ COMPANY/ TO/ GEORGE CARMICHAEL LEITH/ In recognition of his brave/ defense when attacked by/ Masai at/ TZAVO STATION/ 24th OCTOBER 1890." Founded in 1888 and dissolved in 1894, the Imperial British East Africa Company was a private entity empowered by the Crown to administer British holdings in East Africa, including Uganda and Kenya, and was chiefly responsible for establishing a railway from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. Tzavo, also known as Tsavo (Kikamba, "Place of Slaughter") was the sight of a bridge crossing, and most infamous for brutal Masai attacks and man eating lions, the latter documented in the book "The Man-Eaters of Tsavo" by Col. John Patterson and the 1996 film "The Ghost and the Darkness". No information has been found on George Leith as of this writing. Grips are finely checkered walnut with a silver inscription oval and lanyard ring on a border engraved buttcap. Included with the revolver is a hardwood case with blue felt lining, pewter oiler and bras cleaning rod.
BBL: 5 7/8 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 455 CF
Finish: silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 17277


Very fine, with 80% of the original silver finish. Some mild flaking and edge wear is visible, with scattered pitting and handling marks. All markings and engraving is deep and clearly visible. Grip is also very fine, with mild pressure dents. Case is fine, with some exterior cracks and separation, a plate absent from the lid, and mild wear on the lining. Mechanically functions but cylinder is loose.