A Very Fine Rare Cased 54 Bore Beaumont Adams Percussion Revolver. 13" overall, 5 ¾” octagonal blued steel sighted barrel with 3 groove rifling. London proof marks to left hand side, top engraved 'MASU Cavendish Square London’, blued steel solid engraved frame, engraved to right hand side ‘B6322 and 'Adams Patent No 21954R' & stamped ‘LAC’. Sliding safety catch, left hand side with rammer. 5 shot cylinder with London Proofs, cylinder also numbered 21954R. London proof marks between nipples, blued steel trigger guard, chequered walnut butt with butt plate. Contained in its original green baize lined oak screwed case, with MASU trade label in the lid with all accessories, comprising James Dixon flask, Adams bullet mould, oil bottle, loading rod with jag, cap tin and nipple key,
Circa 1858-60
In good condition, most original finish.
Jean Francois Gustav Masu was born in Belgium (most likely in Liege) in 1824. He emigrated to England arriving at Dover on 8 May 1852.
He was recorded in the 1861 census, but no other census, living at 15 Park Terrace, Regents Park, London. In this census he gave his occupation as a jeweller. Part of his business is likely to have been inlaying guns and pistols with gold, platinum and silver, and he appears later to have bought guns from London trade makers and sold them on. He may have worked with Hyacinthe Daunou, another immigrant London jeweller who, when Gustavus died, was his executor.
In 1864 he established his own business trading as Gustave Masu at 3a Wigmore Street. In 1865 the firm became known as Masu Brothers, gun and pistol makers, but no brother has been traced. In 1869 the business was re-named Gustavus Masu and moved to 10 Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square.
In 1876 Gustave bought a property named Belle Vue House, Canterbury Road, Westbrook, Margate, Kent and became a naturalized British subject. In 1882 the business was re-named again to Masu Brothers and he bought another property at 4 Queen's Terrace, Margate. In 1886 he became a freemason at Union Lodge, Margate.
Gustave died on 23 January 1892. Probate was granted to Hyacinthe Daunon who described himself in the probate document as a jeweller and gun maker and probably took over Gustave's business but ceased to trade in guns shortly thereafter. Gustave's estate was valued at £5917 5s 7d.
“Masu Brothers 3a Wigmore Street London & Liège”
"Masu Brothers London"
“G. Masu, 10 Wigmore Street London”
“Masu Frères a Liège & 3a Wigmore Street, London”