Product Details
MASSACHUSETTS ARMS CO., USA
A RARE .31 TAPE-PRIMED REVOLVER, MODEL 'MAYNARD PRIMED BELT REVOLVER, serial no. 648,
manufactured between 1851-57 in quantities of less than 1,000, with round iron 5in. barrel hinged at rear of top-strap, the top-strap signed 'MASS ARMS CO CHICOPEE FALLS', nickel fore-sight (worn down), standing notch rear-sight, hand-rotated six-shot cylinder with locking device inside the trigger-guard, scroll engraved rounded back-action lock integral with the receiver, engraved side-hammer (hammer screw replaced), hinged trap-door on the Maynard tape priming system embossed with a shield bearing an eagle device surmounted by the words 'MAYNARD'S PATENT' and with 'SEPT 22 1845' below, brass back-strap and trigger guard bow (traces of nickel-plate) and smooth one-piece walnut grip.
Other Notes: This interesting American revolver was the result of a huge fine imposed on the Massachusetts Arms Co after infringing Colt's patent with their earlier Wesson & Leavitt revolver. So as to not go out of business, this revolver was produced hand operated and with Maynard's tape priming system so as not to infringe Colt's patent. 200 were supplied to the famous American abolitionist, John Brown in 1857.
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Estimate £700-900
(USD 907-1,166)
(EUR 777-999)
Currency exchange rates are based on various public sources, are provided for information purposes only, and are not verified as accurate.