Cased Beaumont Adams 54 bore Revolver retailed by E.M. Reilly SOLD
Created on October 28th 2021
Wonderful Cased E.M. Reilly Cased Beaumont Adams Revolver
Complete collectors cased set in the English fashion; one 54 bore (.442″ calibre) 5-shot British Beaumont-Adams percussion revolver. English Oak case built around the revolver containing all the components required if one were going to use such a revolver back in the day. (The flask is empty.) The key and lock are also intact and mechanically fine. The case has countersunk brass screws which are all undisturbed and flush with the surface. Vacant circular brass escutcheon in centre of lid. Brass hinges which stop open and support the lid. Internally compartmentalised – one compartment with lid and tiny turned button in polished horn. Each compartment designed to hold securely the loading and cleaning devices, including the ammunition components. There is a rare and genuine parchment label affixed to the inside of the lid detailing the retailers information. Clearly it is original by the wear accumulated with time. It is also important to appreciate the wear marks within the box and that they are not out of place with the position the revolver has rested in for so many years. All the wear within this box is correct for this weapon. Each revolver leaves and individual imprint within the case, which is hard to replicate and very individual. Also, wear over the inside of casing fits with the age and uses this case has been put to; you commonly see wear on the high points of the individual dividers and a thicker “more healthy” look to the baize within protected areas. Not dissimilar to the normal wear found on the bluing of any weapon. Dovetailed joints at the corners of the case and a plain unpolished base to the box. Case measures 14″ x 8″ x 2.1/4″ deep.
The label within the lid mainly reads “E.M. REILLY & Co / Gun Manufacturers / 502, NEW OXFORD STREET, /LONDON” It then goes on to detail all the various different types of weapons they supplied. There is staining and cracking to the label. Within the case are contained the following: Brass cleaning rod with eye for hessian material. A clump of the same. Contemporary to the time in tin of ELEY Percussion Caps (100) The triangular compartment contains lead bullets and balls. Turned screw-top pot with threaded lid, containing spare nipples. Nipple turner and pricker tool. “JAMES DIXON AND SONS SHEFFIELD” Copper powder measuring flask with most of its lacquer remaining in fine condition. Pewter oil bottle. Turned rosewood clearing rod with brass end, removable with ball removal threaded tool. Brass bullet mould with steel sprue cutter, being stamped on the outside with “54” and a crowned R. Adams Registered 1851 stamp. The mould is able to produce both bullet and ball shapes. The mould hinges are firm and not at all sloppy, as to, is the cutter.
The Revolver: In fine solid condition. A good bore with strong rifling and very minimal surface disruption. Absolutely nothing would be bordering on suspicious but this bore is really very good. Very clean strong rifling with minor surface spots at the breech end. The revolver is approximately 8.1/4″ from muzzle to hammer. The barrel is 5.3/4″ long. The revolver has about 80 % of its original bluing remaining with high edge wear as the main detractor. The strong early bluing covers a large proportion of most surfaces. The hexagonal barrel has a dove-tailed front sight and the top flat continues into the top strap over the cylinder. This is engraved as follows: ” REILLY. 502, NEW OXFORD STt, LONDON” There is some scuffing to the top strap between the “New” and the “Oxford” part of the inscription but it is mild. Fixed rear sight. Hammer finished in the white with checkered spur. The hammer has a very soft half cock and a far more solid full cocked position. The revolver can be used as a double or single action weapon. London proofs on upper left flat of octagonal barrel. Research indicates production in 1860. It is interesting to note that if you want to mentally place this revolver in your mind it would (should) have been the revolver that Stanley Baker (Lt Chard V.C.) would have carried in 1963 film Zulu and not the Webley Mk IV .455 cartridge revolver he is seen with in the film as they came out in 1915/16. These were also ordered in large quantities in the American Civil War by the Confederacy Officers.
The five shot cylinder is engraved with the matching serial number “23842 R” The “R” suffix of the serial number means this revolver was actually made by the London Arms Company – a fine producer of arms. Between the cylinder bores are the Victorian view and government proof marks. Large steel trigger guard. The flat sprung loading lever pivots upward to allow the ramrod to compress the loads within the bores. The mechanism of which is in very good firm condition with no play. No pitting inside frame when cylinder is removed. Cylinder spindle finished in the white. Excellent checked walnut grips with steel butt cap having the strongest loss of finish. Also a loss of finish over the trigger guard. The lower RHS of the revolvers frame is engraved with the serial number and the following; ” B.8187 / ADAMS’ PATENT No 23842R.” Cylinder lock on lower RHS of frame. Excellent lock up and timing. Overall a great opportunity to add to any serious collection and a beautifully preserved revolver.
A very fine and original piece from a time when things were built to last. A very enjoyable investment to own and a perfect piece of Victorian engineering craftsmanship at its best.
No License required.
£ 4250. (SOLD)
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