2276

RARE ALLEN & WHEELOCK CENTER HAMMER ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
RARE ALLEN & WHEELOCK CENTER HAMMER ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 251. Cal. 44. Blue finish with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, pinched post dovetail brass front sight and company & patent markings on left side flat. Cylinder is 6-shots, unfluted with rebated rear edge around the nipples. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips numbered "261", obviously an assembler's mistake as the grips fit perfectly and are matching condition to the revolver. This revolver is unusual with its bayonet latch cylinder pin and most unusual rack & pinion rammer integral with the bottom front of the frame and uses the trigger guard as the operating lever which is secured with a latch in the rear stud of the trigger guard. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 700 of these rare revolvers were produced in the period 1861-1862. It is recorded that the U.S. Government purchased 536 of them in 1861. This revolver is not martially marked and it is unclear if any were ever martially inspected. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except grips as noted. Bbl retains 30-40% orig blue, mostly on the octagonal area with the rnd section a smooth gray metal patina; frame retains about 30% glossy orig blue with the balance having flaked, not worn, to a medium patina; trigger guard retains bright case colors in the sheltered areas, turned dark elsewhere with a casting flaw on the bottom. Front & back straps are mostly a blue/brown patina. Grips have a chipped left toe, otherwise are sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retain most of their strong orig varnish. Cylinder is a thin blue/brown patina with strong blue in the chambers. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-49607 JR71