Mid 19th Century Cup Primed Front Loading 0.30" Calibre Pocket Revolver

An interesting revolver that used the cup primed cartridge that was loaded from the front of the cylinder and had the ejector rod mounted on the right, below the hammer.

The brass frame is clean, but would have originally been either silver or nickel plated. The steelwork is in great condition with an even dark case hardened patina.

Along the top of the rib of the octagonal barrel is stamped "Merwin & Bray. FIRE ARMS CO.NY".

The cylinder is plain except for the markings "Patented July 12 1859 and July 21 1863".

The brass frame by the grips is stamped with the serial number 5824.

Plants were quite prominent in the era of early metallic cartridge handguns and Merwin & Bray were Agents and Financiers for them.

The style is very Smith & Wesson, but the system is very different.

It is single action only, the mainspring is good and the action is crisp in both half and full position.

The only issue that I can find is with the cylinder pin, although it holds well enough it doesn't click into place and seems a little worn.

A very interesting American revolver.

Barrel length 7.5cm, Overall length 19.5cm

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license