Original British Victorian Nickel Silver Framed J.R. Cooper Patent Underhammer Pepperbox Percussion Revolver – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly lovely example of the unusual system known as the “PEPPERBOX”. The muzzle is similar to the business end of a Pepper Pot of the the early days of Queen Victoria. All six barrels are contained in one solid “tube” or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s. Pepper boxes as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870’s.

Our example is a somewhat unusual design, and is marked on the left side of the action with J.R. COOPER PATENTEE amidst lovely floral engraving. John Rock Cooper patented this design in 1843, and remained in business until 1853. The patent was apparently for the UNDERHAMMER firing mechanism, which is linked directly to the ring trigger. Most other pepperboxes use a hammer that strikes a cap nipple cone on the side of the cylinder, but these have the nipples on the rear.

The only other markings present on the revolver are the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC “black powder proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” marks from the city of Birmingham, stamped on the breech end of the cylinder flutes. This city was well known for its firearms industry, which supplied many guns to smaller gun shops and outfitters.

At first we thought the frame was plated brass, but removing the grip scales shows that it is solid Cupro Nickel alloy, usually called Nickel Silver or “German Silver”. Somewhat more resilient than brass, we have rarely seen this used as a frame material, as it is slightly harder to work with. The lock / action has lovely foliate engraving on both sides, and there is additional engraving around the frame of the “bag” shaped grip. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example.

The finish on the metalwork is excellent, with the nickel silver parts showing just a bit of oxidation. The the steel components show a lovely worn patina, with some of the original bluing retained in the recessed areas. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the action, and it functions beautifully, and does not appear to have any issues with indexing or cycling.

The Pepper box is exactly what a Victorian Gentleman might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with the then all too common Foot Pads and Brigands. Nicely engraved decoration, and a fantastic look.

Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .39″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.