Ends January 26, 2023
Transitional Percussion Revolver by James Beattie
54-Bore (.442 caliber). 4.75" barrel. SN: NSN. Browned finish, checkered walnut grip. Single action "transitional style" percussion revolver with six-shot round cylinder and hinged frame. Top strap of revolver is engraved in two lines: No 3389 REGISTERED 16th NOVR. 1852/J. BEATTIE 205 REGENT STREET LONDON. Barrel and cylinder with London commercial proof marks, cylinder additionally marked with chamber numbers around the periphery at its front edge. The revolver combines features found on other revolvers of the period, including the long swept hammer spur that is similar to those found on the Webley "Long Spur" percussion revolvers and a hinged barrel that lifts up for the removal of the cylinder similar to the design of Springfield Arms, Warner & Wesson, Edwin Wesson and Wesson & Leavitt (later Massachusetts Arms Co) Revolvers. The revolver is decorated with some nice Arabesque scroll engraving on the frame panels behind the recoil shield and on the triggerguard. A cap box is located in the butt of the revolver and its cover is engraved en-suite. A smallest front sight is dovetailed into the top of the barrel near the muzzle and the muzzle is decorated with simple engraved patterns. James Beattie was a "Gun Maker & Percussion Cap Maker" who was originally located at 43 Upper Marylebone Street from 1832-1835. In 1836 he relocated to #52 on the same street where he remained until 1847 when he moved to 223 Regent Street. In 1847 he entered a partnership with Henry Beattie and in 1848 moved to 205 Regent Street where the firm remained until it went out of business. In 1864 the business was renamed James Beattie & Son and in 1881 it became James Beattie & Co. Beattie received British Patent #3389 on 16 November 1852 for improvements to revolving pistols, likely covering the spring-loaded protruding pin that secured the tip-up barrel in the locked position, aligned with the cylinder chambers. A nice example of a mid-1850s English revolver of a design about to be eclipsed by the work of Adams, Tranter and Colt.
Condition:
Good. Metal is moderately oxidized with a mottled grayish brown patina and areas of light pitting here and there, along with some scattered surface roughness. Markings on top strap remain clear and crisp, as are proof marks. Mechanically functional, good timing and lock up with some minor cylinder wobble. Bore good, heavily oxidized with moderate pitting along its length and strong multi-groove rifling. Grip very good with some light wear to the checkering and showing scattered bumps, dings and mars. Wood dry and faded.
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