(Since selling, I found out this revolver was attributed to William Tranter.)
This is a very rare and historically interesting, seven shot English Gun Trade, Birmingham proofed, single action Revolver, chambered in .32 rim-fire.
The design is closely based on the .22 S&W Model 1 (Second issue) Revolver, but also borrows heavily from the Model 2 (Old Model)... Clearly Industrial espionage is nothing new!
Dating from circa 1860-75 it bares no Manufacturer or retailer information, but its very high quality engraving and beautifully detailed grip escutcheon and screw, identify this Pistol as a mid 19th Century English firearm.
It has a number of unusual design features, its seven shot capacity and the colour case hardened swept back hammer, plus elevated "chamber indexer" with integral V notch rear sight, could possibly indicate a private purchase piece by a British Army officer, these features would certainly allow the revolver to be very rapidly brought to bare on an assailant.
The revolver displays a natural metal finish (as quite a few British revolvers did of this period), with a very nice age related patina.
The Walnut grips are finely checkered with some damage and the octagonal barrel is fitted with a German silver front sight blade.
It functions very well, with very slight wear to the pivot joint and has a excellent bore with no pitting or frosting present.
More to come...if you want me to guys,
John.
