LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25537

Kerr London Revolver Serial Number 2439

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:875.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Kerr London Revolver Serial Number 2439
<B>Kerr London Revolver Marked "JS" over Anchor,</B></I> .44 caliber, five shot cylinder, serial number 2439. The London Armoury Company, manufacturer of the Kerr Revolver, produced at least 7,000 revolvers for the Confederacy, making it the most prolific revolver supplier to the Southern Cause. This particular piece exhibits some early production features such as a pinned loading lever lock and the single pin behind the hammer on the back-action sidelock. The frame is engraved, "KERR'S PATENT" with the serial number on the right side above the trigger guard and is also stamped "LONDON / ARMOURY" on the left side. The serial number is also engraved on the cylinder side and front. The words, "LONDON ARMOURY" are engraved on the sidelock. British proofmarks are located on the barrel and on the cylinder, between each nipple. The barrel is also marked "LAC" in front of the proofmarks. The revolver is mechanically very good exhibiting about 60% blue over most parts with some light pitting. The grips are well worn walnut with traces of varnish on the left panel flat. <BR><BR><B>Kent Wall's Report:</B></I> <BR>The London Armory Company was founded in February, 1856, and among the stockholders were Robert Adams (Adams Revolver) and James Kerr. The factory was located in London. <BR>In 1859, Adams disassociated himself and James Kerr became the leading figure in the operation. Kerr obtained several patents and began manufacturing revolvers in 1859. In late 1861, the U.S. Government purchased 16 revolvers, the only recorded sale to the U.S. <BR>The Confederate Government sent Caleb Huse to Europe to purchase arms of all types. He quickly succeeded in placing contracts with the London Armory Company and the first delivery occurred in September 1861, when the steamer <I>Bermuda</B></I> docked in Savannah, Georgia. <BR>Bill Gary in <I>Confederate Revolvers</B></I> states that some 7,000 revolvers were delivered to the Confederacy and the serial number range was more or less between 3,000 and 10,000. Further, Mr. Gary states that although the Kerr revolver was made in both .44 caliber and .36 caliber, only the .44 caliber was shipped to the Confederacy. <BR>Many of the external markings were engraved with only the "London Armoury" in small letters stamped on the left side of the frame. There is much speculation as to the significance of the "JS" over anchor found on many Kerr revolvers just below the trigger guard groove. Some collectors feel this is a hallmark of arms shipped to the Confederacy while others feel it may be the mark of "J. Smiles", a stock maker in London. <BR>One point to note when examinining Kerr revolvers- the right side of the frame is engraved "Kerr's Patent" followed by a serial number. This number is not the patent number. <BR>This .44 caliber revolver follows the standard pattern and has "Kerr's Patent" and SN "2439" engraved on the right side of the frame. The SN is also engraved on the cylinder. "___ A. C." is stamped on the left barrel flat in front of the proofmarks. "London Armoury Co." is engraved on the sidelock. "London Armoury" is stamped on the left side. Proofmarks are on the cylinder between each nipple. <BR>Condition: Good. Some light pitting. Grips exhibit wear.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Large Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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