Original Item: Only One Available. Traditionally British Officers, all Gentlemen and from an affluent background, were expected to pay for their own sidearms, both revolver and Sword. Back in the 1600s and early 1700s The Colonel of the Regiment was often expected to provide ALL weapons and Uniforms for the entire Regiment. During Queen Victoria's "LITTLE WARS" after the Crimean Campaign, all over the empire like India, Canada and South Africa, the Private Purchase system was still in full force for Officers. This finally started to change with the 1890s with the Boer War.

Here is an excellent example, very possibly purchased by an Officer going overseas to one of the many parts of the empire where a military presence was needed. This is a truly up market example of Tranter's patent Revolver, with the retailer information engraved on the top of the barrel:

This company has a somewhat long and storied history, first being founded in the early 1800s by gunsmith Joseph Charles Reilly of Ireland. He was from a well-to-do family, and originally wanted to be a lawyer, but decided to be a gunmaker instead. His store retailed his own guns, and he also sold used guns as well as those sold under license. This continued when his son Edward Michael Reilly joined as an apprentice in 1835, becoming a full partner in 1840. For a while the company was Reilly & Co. until 1857, when J.C. Reilly retired, leaving his son in charge. With new partners, the company name changed to E.M. Reilly & Co., and continued operation until the early 20th century.

This example even comes with an original custom wooden case, which has the E. M. REILLY & Co label on the inside of the lid. It measures approximately 12" x 6 3/4" x 2 1/4", and is lined on the inside with red velvet plush material, which does show fading and wear from age and use. This definitely looks to be a period example, made by Reilly for the officer who purchased it. It has compartments on the inside, and there is a lovely cleaning rod, as well as the original key and an oiler, though the lock on the front is missing.

There are also two lovely E M REILLY & CO marked cartridge tins, which contain a good number of 450 cartridges, as well as some spent shell casings. The right compartment where the key is also has an old folded up promissory note or layaway agreement dated 1938, 1939, and 1940, which we assume is from a previous sale of the revolver. Really some fantastic accessories along with this lovely revolver!

As with all the revolvers made by Tranter, the left frame bears the patent markings and serial number:

The cylinder is marked with serial No 32639., which is hand engraved, so it is possible that a mistake was made, but more likely that the cylinder was swapped out with an example very close in manufacture date.

William Tranter was a major Birmingham gun maker who made many private purchase weapons at his factory until his retirement in 1885. The patent marking is also present on the cartridge ejecting rod, as often seen. The basic design of his revolvers was originally developed for cap and ball percussion, but was easily adapted for later Rimfire and Centerfire cartridges. This example is marked on the left barrel facet with 450, indicating it is chambered for the .450 "Boxer" Cartridge. Surrounding this are the correct CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the Birmingham proof house. The cylinder has additional "viewed" markings on the side of every chamber.

The metalwork retains much of the original blued finish, especially on the barrel and front of the frame, while the rear of the frame and revolver shows wear from use. The walnut checkered wood grip is in great shape, and shows hardly any wear whatsoever, and a lovely color. The cylinder is six Shot with side gate access on the right hand side to the rear of the chamber for re-loading, and the cylinder pin pulls out to break down the revolver. The bore is mostly bright, with clear lands and grooves, and some spots of oxidation. The cycles well in double action, however when using it in single action, the cylinder often fails to advance correctly. It is possible that it was not intended to work in single action. The ejector rod works correctly.

This is most certainly a very desirable and fine condition British Officer's Campaign Revolver, complete with an original case from the retailer with some great accessories. Fully working and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1875
Caliber: .450 "Boxer"
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Action: External Hammer Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver