Item Description
In an attempt to circumvent the 1855 Patent held by Rollin White for a bored-through cylinder which to load metallic cartridges, Frank P. Slocum of Brooklyn, New York devised an ingenious design of his own. Patented on April 14, 1863, Slocum’s design differed from White’s Patent in that as opposed to loading cartridges from the rear, Slocum’s patent loaded the cartridges from the sides of the cylinder.
The pistol operated in a unique method; first, the pistol was placed in half cock. Second, the cylinder was aligned with a plunger mounted on the right side of the pistol which acted as an extractor. Third, a small latch was released which allowed the sliding “doors” to move forward, which allowed for the cartridges to be loaded into each chamber. Fourth, the “doors” are placed into the closed position and the revolver is ready to fire. To unload the spent casings, the process is repeated.
The Slocum Pistol was made for only a year and a half, but during that time, the Brooklyn Arms Company produced and sold nearly ten thousand of these pistols. The pistol was aggressively marketed during that time as an innovative design with numerous positive attributes. With the Pistol being sold during the backdrop of the American Civil War, Cartridge revolvers were a coveted item amongst soldiers during the war, and many found their way onto the battlefield in the hands of Union Officers. Unfortunately for Slocum, his unique design was quickly overshadowed by other designs by Smith & Wesson, Plant & Pond, Moore , and others.
Slocum’s today are difficult to find, especially in mechanically sound condition. This particular example is complete with the original cardboard box, which is an extreme rarity today. The box itself is adds tremendous value to the pistol.
Choosing to use a readily available cartridge, rather than special, “patent”, ammunition, gave Slocum an advantage over his competitors. In fact, in his advertising, this “advantage” was the fourth reason listed as to why his design was preferable to the competition. According to Slocum’s pamphlet, the ADVANTAGES of the “SIDE-LOADING REVOLVER” were as follows:
It can be Carried in the Pocket with Safety when Loaded, As the Hammer can be put into a Safety Notch in the Cylinder, and is not obliged to rest upon the Cartridge.
It can be Loaded in the Dark. The peculiar arrangement of operating the Cylinder in combination with the Lock enables it to be loaded as quickly and surely in the Dark as by Light.
It is Surer Fire. By a slight rotating movement given to each of the Chambers, the Cartridge can be struck on more than one part of the Flange, by the Hammer, without removing it from the Chamber.
It does not require Special Ammunition. Being loaded with the regular flanged Metallic Cartridge, in use by Smith & Wesson, and other makers.
Perfect Rotation of the Cylinder. The expansion of the Cartridge Case is confined within the Moveable Chamber. There is no chance for the Cylinder being prevented from Rotation by the Wedging of the Head of the Case against the Recoil Plate.
Great Strength. The Frame is made out of a solid piece “ there are no joints to be strained apart or to wear by friction. The Cylinder, with Moveable Chambers, is much stronger than the ordinary Cylinder, as the Chambers are of equal thickness all around the Bore, and are made from the best material, carefully examined an tested before being placed in the Cylinder Bed.
The Center Pin. Can be oiled without removing the Cylinder, which cannot be said of any other Revolver.
All of these reasonably sound arguments likely helped to make this one of the more successful cartridge firearms to compete with the Smith & Wesson #1 and #2 series of pistols, without violating their patents.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
