Magnificent Cased 4th Model Tranter revolver.

This magnificent 54 Bore 4th model Tranter revolver has possibly never been fired. Its condition is outstanding and it is one of the best examples I have seen. The original vibrant fire blue is still extant on the safety catch and Arbor release as is the overall finish elsewhere. Other than a slight loss through rubbing on one edge of the barrel from where it has laid for 163 years, it is a 95%+ gun. The rubbing could be easily addressed but I prefer to leave history as it stands. The photographs do not do the revolver justice and it looks better in the hand.
The mechanism of the revolver is perfect, it cocks and locks as it should and locks and rotates on the half cock for loading. Tranter’s famous “patent oval” is present on the frame and rammer and the gun has Birmingham proof marks as it should. The top strap is vacant of any retail address so it was probably sold direct from the factory to the first owner or sent to a retailer who decided against engraving it with their name, quite unusual as the Victorians were rather good at self-promotion and what better place to advertise your business than on the barrel of one of the most innovative and expensive firearms of the time? The checkering of the grips is sharp and I almost used the word best left to eaters of potato snacks when I describe them but that is an overused superlative in this business.
This is an early model based on Tranter’s 1856 patent and would have been manufactured at the earliest 1858 and probably no later than early 1860. We can deduce this from a number of items the most obvious being the “safety hook” feature. This safety locates a pin into a machined hole in the nipple dividing walls and was replaced with a less expensive sliding latch. The other feature is the “S” shaped spring holding the Arbor release button.
Of general interest to collectors is that this revolver launched the generic term used ever since for “double action” revolvers, a phrase invented by William Tranter. In his 1856 patent, one of his claims is that he has invented a “three single trigger, double action revolver lock mechanism”. From 1858 Tranters advertisements and his loading sheet highlight the words “double action” in capital letters.
The case is fitted with all of the original accessories as issued and their condition is contemporary to the revolver. The bullet tin, lubricating tin, cap tin and powder flasks are vacant. Other accessories include the mould, jag and turnscrews, a most complete set.
A wonderful piece of investment quality history and deserving of a prominent place in any revolver collection.

Code: 50653