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Title Five-shot .41 calibre rimfire revolver, ivory-gripped
Nationality American
Period 1873-78
Sold

This black powder weapon was made by the US Arms Company (in business 1873-78, the middle of the cowboy period!), who had a factory in Brooklyn, and would have been carried by sheriffs, riverboat gamblers and assorted 'bad guys' as a back-up weapon if their heavier guns weren't to hand! It was probably made under Otis A Smith's patent.

The grip is made of elephant ivory and there are matching serial numbers on the frame, cylinder and cylinder spindle. It is a single action weapon with a stub trigger.

The action is sharp; the barrel has a few spots of pitting, but is pretty sharp generally, with quite shallow rifling. If it has any faults, there is some loss to the nickel silver finish, perhaps 5% at most, and the springs holding the cylinder spindle are a little weak.

This calibre is obsolete in the UK under recent amendments to the Firearms Act and is sold under section 58 of this Act, ie as an antique for display purposes.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Firearms : Obsolete Cartridge : American : 19th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

I got the helmet yesterday. It's a great piece.

L L, USA, 21.04.2009

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