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This superb Joslyn carbine is a First Model 1862 that used an innovative pivoting breechblock system invented and patented by Massachusetts gun designer Benjamin Franklin Joslyn in 1855. Under a June 1862 government contract, his firm, the Joslyn Fire Arms Company of Stonington, Connecticut, produced his first rimfire model carbine designated the Model 1862. Designed for field use with Federal horse soldiers, the Joslyn carbine fired a standard rimfire cartridge of .52 calibre. Joslyn’s unique loading arrangement consisted of lifting up the breechblock tab or hook, pivoting the breechblock to the left and then inserting the round. A hook-type friction latch for the breechblock and the exposed firing pin extension were characteristics of the Model 1862 Joslyn. An iteration of this type of breech block can be seen in the Werndl rifle and carbine produced in Europe after the Civil War. This particular carbine is in excellent condition and exhibits a pleasing appearance with a fine walnut stock and all brass mounted furniture, including the trigger guard, barrel band and butt plate. Carbine bears serial 3109 on top of the breechblock and on all matching components. All gunmetal wears a pleasing dark grey-coloured patina. The flat, casehardened lock plate is sharply stamped forward of the hammer with a sharp “JOSLYN FIREARMS Co / STONINGTON/ CONN”. Top surface of the hinged breechblock exhibits clean patent stampings “B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT / OCTOBER 8TH, 1861 / JUNE 1862 / 3109”. The bore is excellent as is the wood fit to metal and there are outstanding military cartouches extant. The easy way to differentiate between the rare first model and the commoner second model is that the first model has brass furniture. Most of these carbines were converted to centre fire after the Civil War and had extensive use in the Indian Wars. It is uncommon to find an unconverted first model and for a collector of Civil War Carbines it would be difficult to improve on this outstanding carbine.
Code: 50607
3750.00 GBP
This is a very decent Tranter revolver with British proof marks in 32 lip fire calibre. Lip fire cartridges were short lived and quickly replaced with the conventional rimfire cartridges that can be recognised today. The majority of lip fire revolvers were converted by milling the rear of the cylinder to remove the indentations that were necessary to house the "lip" of the lip fire cartridge to house either conventional rim fire cartridges or centre fire cartridges. It is uncommon to find these revolvers that have not been converted in the 1870's. This particular revolver is in very good condition with some original finish and was retailed by the well known retailer E M Reilly of Oxford Street London. An interesting and scarce collectible revolver.
Code: 50495
1600.00 GBP
This is an outstanding example of a revolver that is scarce to find in excellent condition. The revolver has most original colour, sharp edges and good stamping and has a really pleasing appearance. The Whitney Navy is a 6-shot, .36 calibre, single action percussion revolver that was manufactured from the late 1850s through the early 1860s. The revolver went into production after Colt's patent on his revolver mechanism expired in 1857. The first 1,500 or so (aka "1st Model" Whitney Navy revolvers) were manufactured without a loading lever and were of lighter construction than the later 2nd Model revolvers. Between the Whitney desire to improve upon the guns, and the habit of making design changes when parts on hand ran out, both the 1st and 2nd Models were manufactured in a number of different "types" with a clear pattern of evolution that took place throughout their production. Some 33,000 Whitney Navy revolvers were produced during the production run, with many seeing US government use. The US Army acquired 10,587 of the revolvers between 1861 and 1864 and the US Navy purchased an additional 6,226 between 1863 and 1865. The state of New Jersey purchased 920 Whitney Navy revolvers in 1863, but 792 of those guns were subsequently resold to the US Army in 1863 and 1864. Those guns are included in the US Army purchases listed above. A number of Whitney Navy revolvers also appear to have been acquired by the South and saw service during the American Civil War. Some were purchased prior to the outbreak of hostilities, and these guns tend to early production 2nd Model revolvers produced prior to the spring of 1861. A good example is Whitney Navy 3110, which was owned by Confederate cavalry general J.E.B. Stuart, and is now in the collection of the Virginia Historical Society. However, Confederate forces acquired many more Whitney Navy revolvers after the conflict started. These later production guns were no doubt obtained through a combination of capturing weapons and purchasing the guns surreptitiously from secondary retailers rather than Whitney. At least two-dozen Whitney Navy revolvers are known to have been repaired for use by the 4th Virginia "Black Horse" Cavalry, and a handful of identified Whitney Navy revolvers with Confederate provenance exist was well. It is not surprising that the revolver found favour on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line, as the robust design with a reinforcing top strap, a solid frame with a screwed in barrel and the simple turn of a wing nut to release the loading lever and cylinder arbor were all significant improvements over the open topped frame and wedge-retained barrel of the Colt design. The popularity of the revolvers in the south is further indicated by the fact that the design was copied by Confederate gunmakers Spiller & Burr and T.W. Cofer, both of whom produced Whitney-like revolvers for the south. The barrel and grip panels show serial number 24984. The serial number is crisply stamped into the woods of the grips along with the initials of the military inspector who inspected the revolver. The loading lever is also stamped with the same number. The top of the octagon barrel is stamped: E WHITNEY N. HAVEN There is some slight marking by the “N” of Haven as can be seen but nothing dreadful. The action of the revolver is mechanically sound and the gun times, indexes and locks-up exactly as it should The bore is in excellent condition. The original novel Whitney arbor pin retention thumbscrew is in place and operates. The small brass trigger guard (correct for this model) has a pleasing aged patina. The original two-piece oil finished walnut grips are present, and are in excellent condition, complete with serial numbers on the inner face as previously mentioned. Overall this is a very good example of a scarce Whitney Navy that was used in the Civil War and truly would be difficult to better. An extremely interesting and important Civil War revolver.
Code: 50606
2950.00 GBP
This is another really outstanding cased Colt London pocket revolver with all original accessories. The case contains all accessories in unused condition , some lead conical bullets and the key is extant. The revolver was purchased from a gentleman who was able to explain to me that he inherited it from his grandfather and by descent and family history it dates back to an ancestor that owned an East London Public House where it was bought for defence purposes. Clearly, from the condition of the revolver and accessories it was never used in anger, in fact the tin of 500 percussion caps has never been opened and has its original paper seals! From Rosa's excellent book "Colonel Colt of London" we know this is a very early model and it has all matching numbers, excellent grips and really good cylinder scene with a tight mechanical action. There is little or no wear on the accessories which is commensurate to the condition of the revolver. This set has not been apart for more than 150 years. Colt was determined to sell to the British Government and the work put into the London models was superior to that of his Hartford factory. Improved details included dome head screws and better hatching on the hammer spur. There is much original finish left on the revolver including case hardening and varnish on the grips and the set represents excellent value, the next grade of finish would double the price. An excellent example and a true “London” revolver made and sold in London.
Code: 50605
4500.00 GBP
This is a Colt London pocket pistol in 31 calibre in its original case with all accessories. This is a complete "sleeper" and completely untouched. From Rosa's excellent book "Colonel Colt of London" we know this is a very early model and it has all matching numbers, excellent grips and cylinder scene with a tight mechanical action. There is little or no wear on the accessories which is commensurate to the condition of the revolver. This set has not been apart for more than 150 years. Colt was determined to sell to the British Government and the work put into the London models was superior to that of his Hartford factory. Improved details included dome head screws and better hatching on the hammer spur. Very difficult to better and if the finish hadn't faded it would be double the price. An excellent example.
Code: 50568
3250.00 GBP
This is an interesting Swivel Cannon that would be mounted on the bow or stern of a ship with the capability of being quickly portable to place it anywhere. This would have been made at the turn of the 19th Century and would have fired a one pound solid shot or grape. Formidable at close quarter for sweeping decks. Overall length 24". Could possibly be improved with fresh black paint but my Mantra has always been "leave as found" to allow others the pleasure of "improving or ruining" The short sea service pistol is simply to indicate the size and is not included but offered elsewhere. This is heavy, estimated weight 65 pounds.
Code: 50604
1300.00 GBP
Her Majesty’s Coast Guard was established in 1822 and had the primary responsibility saving the sailors and property when a shipwreck occurred. The Coast Guard also patrolled the entire UK coastline to prevent smuggling and bizarrely invasion. By the 1850s, smuggling was on the wane, and so the responsibility of protecting the coastline from smugglers was transferred to the Royal Navy, putting the Coast Guard’s primary duty once again to assisting with wrecks and rescue operations. This model saw service during the Crimean War (1853-1856) and was also known as the short sea service pistol. This is a good representative example with a perfect mechanism and captive ramrod. The lock plate is stamped 1855 and Tower with a crown and invertee arrow.
Code: 50603
700.00 GBP
This is a reasonable Later Sea Service Pistol by John Brasher who had premises in Birmingham and London. Brasher was a quality maker who had an interest in multiple barreled weapons and these are encountered. This particular pistol is 13 bore (.69) and has a 9" tapered barrel with ramrod and brass furniture. The lock works perfectly and has a tight two stage action. Lock plate is engraved "Brasher" with a military Crown over GR as expected. A decent military flintlock Pistol.
Code: 50602
1850.00 GBP
This is a very good Winchester model 1892 in 44/40 calibre. The Winchester Model 1892 was a lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning as a smaller, lighter version of his large-frame Model 1886, and which replaced the Model 1873 as the company's lever-action for pistol-calibre rounds such as the .44-40 When asked by Winchester to design an improved lever action to compete with a recent Marlin offering, John Browning said he would have the prototype completed in under a month or it would be free. Within 2 weeks, Browning had a functioning prototype of the 92. for the rifle vary and some are custom-chambered. The original rounds were the .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 Winchester centrefire rounds, followed in 1895 by the new .25-20 This particular rifle has a 26” barrel , good mechanics and excellent bore, ideal for the Cowboy shooter who would prefer a lighter rifle than a large frame Winchester. This rifle was recently proofed but given the venerable age of the rifle I elected to black powder proof which will be fine for Cowboy loads. The serial number reveals that the rifle was manufactured in 1894. The original finish has faded but to an even attractive tone and there is no pitting to the barrel either externally or internally. The walnut stock is very good with no notable defects. A decent and historical rifle that covers practical shooting and an iconic investment. This is a Section 1 firearm and will require a Firearms Certificate to purchase. I will store at no charge for variations to be applied for. See this and other interesting rifles at the Northern Shooting Show Harrogate May 11th and 12th.
Code: 50592
2750.00 GBP
Another rare and interesting revolver! This is an antique Plant’s Mfg. Co. Revolver, made circa 1864 in New Haven, Connecticut. Makers of revolvers during the American Civil War had three choices: 1) they could take their chances violating the Smith & Wesson owned Rollin White Patent for the concept of a “bored through cylinder” to accept metallic cartridges. Those that did were invariably sued. 2) they could continue to make percussion guns with all of their disadvantages until the Smith and Wesson patent expired. 3) they could invent their own concept that was both an improvement over percussion guns and circumvented the Rollin White Patent. This is the option that Plant’s Mfg Co chose. Plant’s Mfg. Co. was financed and represented by the famed firearms agents Merwin & Bray, hence their name on the top of the barrel which is extant but faint. Their revolver featured a “cup-primed” and front-loading concept, which was among the best attempts to get around S&W’s 12-1/2-year stronghold on cartridge revolvers. Although there was some advertising stating government purchase this is not confirmed but Soldiers were able to privately purchase any firearm for their own use during the Civil War.
Code: 50597
1250.00 GBP
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