Circa 1870 Revolvers
 

Hi Chaps,

I wanted to share two important additions to my collecting from this year, the link to 'militaria' is tenuous hence my including them in this area.

Two circa 1870 English revolvers, both made by Tipping & Lawden of Birmingham (but unmarked). Both in .450 Boxer (aka .450 Adams). This was the very first self-contained metallic cartridge adopted by the British military, so quite historic. These though are not military revolvers but high quality commercial examples.

The larger one is the Thomas Patent 'simultaneous extracting' revolver - this was Britain's answer to this problem but clearly fell by the wayside.

Both of these are in superb condition and once I get around to having some custom ammo made up, I plan to shoot both.

Enjoy.:) (I know I do..:):))

Cheerio,

Roy

Lovely:)

A couple of works of art:)

Very nice.

You've got too much money Roy.
Andy:D

I miss the "Thanks" button.

so... "Thanks" Roy, lovely pieces of history.

Cheers, Tim

Roy,

Both look to be real beauties. They also appear as though they would have a bit of a kick when fired.

Thanks for posting
Jack

Thank you all for your kind words gents,

Although these are rare/expensive pieces I was able to work out some trades, so (fortunately) not too much money out of pocket.

The .450 Adams rounds was a little underpowered as I understand, so I suspect these would be quite soft shooting - something I'm very much looking forward to doing.

It may interest some of you to know that Tipping & Lawden was a competitor of P. Webley (later Webley & Scott), so as a consequence Webley bought the company out in 1877, so all items by T&L are pre that date.

I must say the quality of fit and finish is truly exceptional. The 'lock-up' and trigger is totally stunning, like the proverbial 'Swiss watch'.

Cheers,

Roy

Hi Gents,

I though it might be interesting to go into a little more explanation on the Thomas Patent revolver mechanism - three pics attached.

I was fortunate enough to get hold of an original 1869 patent for this (shown in the pics). The mechanism (which still works perfectly today) required one to rotate the barrel (using the under-barrel knob) and manipulate it (along with the cylinder) forward (see last photo). This allowed for spent cases to fall free while retaining un-fired cartridges.

The Galand mechanism was popular on the continent. While the Merwin & Hulbert along with Smith & Wesson's top break were popular in the US. The Thomas patent was the British solution (along with the later design of top-break used by Webley). Ultimately they would all fall by the wayside by the swing out cylinder still in use today.

Cheerio,

Roy

Thanks for this Roy ... just how easy/difficult is it to get .450 ammo ??

Simply put, it is a long obsolete calibre that one can no longer get. I have seen a few circa 1930's boxes of it, but would not want to take the risk they would damage these important revolvers.

However I have been given the details of a small company that will make custom ammo, including this .450 Adams. So my plan for sometime next year is to speak to them and procure some suitable and safe newly made ammo. I would LOVE to see how these shoot.

Cheers,

Roy

Thanks Roy ... and good luck with the project !!

I would love to see a 'YouTube' video of the action working:) As a retired Police firearms instructor it fascinates me how the revolver was developed. Do you think that would be something you could do?:D:D

Regards
Irv:)

Hi Irv,

Good idea, I will keep it in mind for a possible future project. Videos are not something I personally do but I may know someone who could.

Cheers,

Roy

Lovey stuff Roy,
They seem to be in great condition. Thanks for showing. How lucky you are that you can collect and display these things in the US. Not allowed in my country. :(


Best wishes,
Sunil

Thank you Sunil,

Yes I'm very fortunate and grateful indeed for the freedoms we enjoy here in the US. I alway owned firearms in the UK but with the 1997 ban, had to hand in my beloved handguns. Fortunately these days I can enjoy owning, carrying, collecting and shooting pretty much anything I can afford - which is not nearly as many as I would like..:mad:

Cheerio,

Roy