228

Scarce Massachusetts Arms Wesson & Leavitt Belt Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:700.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Scarce Massachusetts Arms Wesson & Leavitt Belt Revolver
Manufactured in 1850 - '51, with a total production of around 1000, this is a scaled down version of Massachusetts Arms Dragoon Model revolver and was also referred to as the "Pocket Model". The top strap is marked "MASS. ARMS CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS" and the lock is marked "WESSON'S & LEAVITT'S PATENT". The lock, frame and hammer are broad floral scroll engraved and the cylinder is etched with floral designs and a stand of arms. Blade front sight and notch rear sight, 6 round cylinder, silver plated brass trigger guard and grip frame fitted with smooth two piece walnut grips. The right grip panel is stamped "1188", possibly a collection number (U.S. Cartridge Company used numbers like this, but we cannot confirm this example as being one of them).
BBL: 4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 31
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 467


Period refinished. The barrel and top strap appear to have been cleaned and a protective coating applied giving the barrel a pleasant dark copper hue. There is some very minor pitting and some light spotting on the barrel. The hammer and cylinder have a dark patina with some light pitting on the cylinder and the etching is very faint. The nipples appear original to the revolver and remain very good. The trigger guard and grip frame retain approximately 95% of the original silver plating with the exposed brass having an aged patina. The grips are good with almost all of the finish remaining, some light wear and a few minor dents and dings.