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.

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

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 loading rammer, 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. Many were converted, but this example is still in the original rimfire configuration.

The metalwork retains much of the original blued finish with some wear spots, with a bright steel hammer. The walnut checkered wood grip is in great shape, and shows hardly any wear whatsoever. 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 action cycles correctly in both single and double action.

This is most certainly a very desirable and fine condition British Officer's Campaign Revolver. Fully working and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber:  .442 Tranter Rimfire
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 6 3/8 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.