A Very Rare Cased Harvey’s Second Model Hammerless Percussion Revolver. 13 ¼” overall, 6”octagonal 80 bore sighted barrel signed 'HARVEY'S PATENT EXETER', engraved with a band of foliage at the muzzle & rifled with two grooves, standing bead fore sight, adjustable rear sight. Six shot border & scroll engraved cylinder numbered from '1' to '6', border & scroll engraved frame fitted with patent safety to the left side, hammerless action, (internal hammer). Figured walnut saw handle butt stamped with the serial number 3743 & secondary inventory number '10', blued border & scroll engraved trigger guard, blued patent detachable rammer/stripping tool & nipple key, London proof marks In its original fitted mahogany case lined in dark blue baize with accessories including a good Dixon revolver flask, a brass double cavity ball mould, cap bag, oil bottle, loading rod & nipple key, the lid with Robert Hughes trade label, the exterior with circular brass escutcheon.
Serial Number 3743 for 1854-5.
Very rare & fine set, only 3 sets known, in very good condition with most original finish.
This pistol and rammer were covered by British patents respectively of 26 May 1853 and 11 December 1854, granted to William John Harvey, an Exeter Gunsmith, in 1853. It has been suggested that Harvey may possibly have engaged Robert Hughes to manufacture his revolvers.
See Claude Blair ‘Pistols of the World’ p. 136, No.s 632-33. and Taylerson et al ‘The Revolver 1818-1865’ p. 305, pl. 34.
Provenance Capt. Hugh Roberts Collection.