Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice Belgian-made example of the British Adams model 1851 percussion revolver, which were exported in some number during the U.S. Civil war. These were quite popular as private purchase arms, particularly among Confederate officers, who did not have access to the many revolvers being made in the North.

This is a double / single action only 5 shot percussion revolver in about .442 caliber, the standard bore size for these, and this example was made by one of the most well-known firms in Liège, Belgium, as indicated by the markings on the top strap:

The left side of the frame and the cylinder are marked with the correct CROWN / AF markings as well. Auguste Francotte & Co. of Liège was a very well-known and prolific firearms manufacturer, who made many guns under contract to countries all over the world. They also made some improved versions of existing guns, such as the Martini-Henry. Founded in 1810, the company was still in operation until the WWII era.

In 1851, English designer Robert Adams offered his “improved” repeater. Like the Colt, it had a cylinder and single barrel, but the shooter had merely to pull the trigger in one smooth action to cock the piece, rotate its cylinder and fire it. In fact, the revolver could only be fired double-action and lacked a hammer spur. Adams formed a partnership with the father-and-son team of George and John Deane, and established a London manufacturing facility and salesroom. The design however was licensed and often improved upon by various gunmakers, one of them being Auguste Francotte, who manufactured this version with a hammer spur and able to function in single action.

This revolver is correctly marked with ADAMS PATENT on the right side of the frame, which is next to serial number No 13497, also found on the cylinder. The left side of the frame is marked ADAMS / 1851 / PATENT, indicating the year that the patent was granted for the design. There are some Belgian single letter proofs under crowns, as well as what looks to be assembly number 43 on the left side of the barrel and on the loading rammer.

The revolver is in very good service used condition, with the original blued finish mostly worn away to a gray patina, with some areas retaining more of a plum color. The cylinder arbor pin looks to have lost the front button, or may be a replacement, and we were not able to remove it, even with the right side latch moved into position. The revolver cycles correctly in both single and double action, with just a bit of finicky behavior due to wear and tired springs. The trigger return spring is a bit weak, so sometimes it does not return all the way forward. The barrel has five groove rifling, which is still in very good condition. The lands are still strong and the finish is partly bright, showing some areas of fouling and oxidation, as expected from a black powder percussion pistol. The checkered wooden grip is in very good condition, with strong checkering still present and only a tiny chunk missing at the top of the grip near the spur.

This is a fascinating example that could well be included in any U.S. Civil War Collection. Just splendid and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: .442
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 5 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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