Adams Patent 1851 Model Dragoon 5-shot Revolver

Cased Rare Large Frame 38-bore Dragoon Variant

Cased in the English fashion, Oak case with green baize lining, vacant escutcheon and Deane, Adams & Deane label.

The label shows the Gun makers label to H.R.H Prince Albert, 30c King William Street, London Bridge. The revolver top strap is engraved to the retailers address which is, “Moore and Woodward, 64, St James’s street, London”  They did not manufacture the frame. It is more likely that they purchased the unfinished serialised action under license from the Adams patent pool, then finished it to their luxury standards and sold it out of the St James’s shop front.

This model is the Adams patent 1851 ” Dragoon” as it has the longer barrel. It is actually 7.5/8″ long with a spurless hammer, to aid removing it from a holster.  It also is specifically self-cocking and of Percussion ignition.  These solid frame revolvers were the main competition for Colt at the Great Exhibition of 1851.  Records confirm that although it at first appears to be a standard .54 bore (.442 caliber) military revolver; its serial number “5844.R” is actually the rare large framed .38-bore (.50 calibre) Dragoon variant.

It appears that the serial number and the “R” suffix indicate the manufacture date is likely to be between 1852 to 1854, basically at the beginning of the Crimean War.  The revolver bears all the normal and correct viewing and proof marks of the London Proof house.  Superb intricate Victorian decorative scroll engraving.  Superb bluing which is mostly intact.  The cylinder would have been supplied in the white.  Octagonal barrel with dove-tailed front sight. To compliment the front sight the rear is fixed as part of the solid frame construction, this promoted excellent accuracy. One peice excellent checkered grips.  On the rear of the grips is a silver escutcheon with the name “Hermann Schwartz” still showing clearly.

Who was Hermann Schwartz? This is the tantilising question!  The first person you discover was Hermann Schwart the German Phillospher and Mathematician who was born in Prussia in 1843. However, as famous and well placed to make a purchase like this during his later life, Herman would only have been 10 years old when this revolver was produced !  Also, H.S. lived quite a seditary life in that he is only known for working entirely within the German and Swiss University system.  Although responsible for a great deal of Mathematical threums he did not travel to Great Britian to lecture or present his work. So it is extremely unlikely that he ordered this revolver from London within the course of his life; and being a scholar what use would such a man have for a weapon of war?  It is far more likely that, as the revolver was primariliy designed for military officers or travelers, that it belonged to a Germanic or Anglo-German military officer or merchant also named Hermann Schwartz. This individual would have purchased it from London for personal protection or service to navigate the mid 19th century’s volatile European climate. As is usual with these items the answer is tantalisingly close but, also impossible to pin down without final written proof.  There is one more avenue of inquiry that could be followed and that could lay in the archives of Purdys in London ? But that is all part of the honour of ownership – for we are but keepers, curators, that periodially change throughout the existence of such a fine article.

Diagonally, from muzzle to heel the revolver, it is 14.1/4″ across. Oval steel decorated butt-cap with shell engraved trap for percussion caps. Loading lever to LHS of frame below cylinder.  Sprung hammer stop pin to keep hammer off nipples.  Cylinder stop slide on RHS of frame. Beautiful border and scroll engraving decorates the frame.  The inscription “ADAMS PATENT. No 5844.R.  The serial number is repeated on the cylinder; “No 5844./R.”  Silver esctcheon reads “Hermann Schwartz.” The revolver is mechanically fine, timing and lock up are exact.  The bore is excellent with one or so minor spots of pitting. Fine defined 5-groove LH rifling.

Whitness marks in the green baize seem to line up perfectly and the revolver fits well.  The case has the manufacturers label.  All the accessories shown in the photographs are original to the period and are marked with the appropriate makers names.  Included is a bag of percussion caps with a label which mentions Westley Richards.  Included in the case are the following: Brass bullet mould with steel spru cutter, this produces both bullet and ball. It is marked in a circular design;- “REGISTERED R. ADAMS 28 Nov 1851”  Both the ball and bullet cavity produce a spike at the base on which a patch can be placed. Small C & J W Hawksley pewter oil bottle and dabber. Mid sized brass and copper powder flask by “JAMES DIXON / & SONS / SHEFFIELD” – very fine with adjustable measure in nozzel and lanyard ring at base. Rosewood handled nipple removing tool with pricker (slight split to handle.) Rosewood screw turner. Rosewood cleaning and clearing rod with arbour and screw-on loading head. Lead projectiles of both types. Set of replacement nipples with brass washers – unused. Case made of English Oak. Key a/f.  This set has everything bar the powder.

This is a perfect set in a high state of condition which has, without a doubt, been around and been used, but also meticulously maintained.  It would be hard to repeat this at the drop of a hat – well worth a look for the serious collector.  More photos availabe for serious enquiries.

ANTIQUE – No License Required.

£ 5,900.

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