Original Item: Only One Available. These are very hard to find and were known as the "WALKING BEAM" Revolvers, due to the way the cylinder was rotated. This system was patented in 1854 by FORDYCE BEALS, and put into production by Eli Whitney. The left side of the frame is marked (somewhat faded):

The top strap of the revolver frame is marked:

This is a Seven shot .31 caliber percussion revolver, however it is a very early and somewhat cumbersome design. It has a ring trigger, which not only fires the gun, but also advances the cylinder when it is cycled back and forth. This is what gave the revolver the "Walking Beam" moniker. The hammer itself is a simple single action lock type, which is released when the ring trigger is pulled back hard against the release button. The cylinder also had to be removed from the frame to be loaded, accomplished by pressing a catch and pulling out the arbor pin.

This system was not a great success when up against the Colt Pocket and Colt Navy Model Revolvers of the same era. Having the hammer cycle the cylinder when pulled back made more sense, and the ability to load the cylinder while in the frame was far less time consuming. Consequently it is a rare gun of developmental significance.

This example is well marked, and bears serial number 219 on the bottom of the action, on the right side of the grip frame, and stamped onto the inside of both grip scales. We cannot find markings elsewhere, and do not know what other parts usually would have had the serial number on them. The revolver is in very good condition, cycling correctly and dry firing, which can be done independently due to the design. The revolver still properly breaks down for cleaning and reloading by removing the arbor pin. It should be noted however that with the cylinder out, the hammer can move forward far enough that the main spring will slip off, after which the grips will need to be removed so the mainspring can be put back into place.

The metalwork shows a lovely gray polished patina, with a bit of past peppering. The grips are in very good shape, still retaining much of the original "piano varnish" finish used at the time, though there is a chunk missing from the left grip scale. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. It does show some past removed fouling, but no major oxidation or other damage. The cap nipples are all clear, showing wear from oxidation and use, as well as years of hammer strikes from dry firing.

A very interesting revolver in really nice shape, still fully functional after all this time. Only the second that we have ever had, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: c.1854
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/2 inches
Action: Single - Percussion Cap
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

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