Fine Modern & Antique Arms - March 2023 : Sale A0323 Lot 636
A RARE 54-BORE PERCUSSION LANGS GAS CHECK TRANSITIONAL REVOLVER RETAILED BY WITTON & DAW, CIRCA 1852, no visible serial number,

Product Details

A RARE 54-BORE PERCUSSION LANG'S GAS CHECK TRANSITIONAL REVOLVER RETAILED BY WITTON & DAW, CIRCA 1852, no visible serial number,
with 6in. sighted barrel, the top flat engraved 'WITTON DAW & CO. 57 THREADNEEDLE ST. OPPOSITE THE ROYAL EXCHANGE', six shot cylinder fitted with vertically positioned nipples, the action body finely foliate scroll engraved, the dolphin headed hammer engraved to match, well made replacement figured walnut grips, stepped oval butt-cap with trap in the base

Provenance: The vendor informs us that this revolver was originally in the collection of the Athenaeum museum, Plymouth, the museum was destroyed in 1941 during the blitz of Plymouth when this revolver was damaged. The remains of the revolver were later sold to provide funds for the rebuilding of the museum. It remained in the family of the man who originally purchased it until 2007, when it was obtained by the vendor and current owner who restored it.



Other Notes: The action of this revolver was designed to minimize the gas escape between the cylinder and barrel, to achieve this the barrel was machined with a small raised lip at the breech end, the chamber mouths were a counterbored to fit over the lip, providing a tight seal thereby preventing the escape of gas, on cocking the action drew back the cylinder free of the lip, then rotated to align with the next chamber, on firing the cylinder was pushed forward and locked in place. Witton & Daw were noted retailers of this system which was apparently still being marketed into the 1860's although this is an early specimen



Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions. Please note all Lots are listed in accordance with UK Law, for overseas buyers, please ensure you are familiar with your relevant local firearms and customs regulations before bidding.

Estimate £400-600