Original 19th Century British Officer’s M1858 Beaumont – Adams Percussion Revolver in .442cal – circa 1862 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Beaumont–Adams revolver is a muzzle-loading, double-action, percussion revolver. It was originally adopted by the British Army in .442 calibre (54-bore, 11.2mm) as a modification of the Adams revolver already in service. On 20 February 1856, Lieutenant Frederick E. B. Beaumont of the Royal Engineers had been granted a British patent No. 1685 for improvements to the Adams revolver which allowed them to be cocked and fired either by manually cocking the hammer as in Colt single-action revolvers, or by just pulling the trigger. Beaumont was granted a US Patent (no. 15,032) on 3 June of the same year. Once production started, the revised revolver was so popular the Colt was forced to shut down their London factory due to lack of sales.

This example still retains some of the original color, and is marked on the top of the barrel strap:-

J. ADAMS LONDON

It is also marked with PATENT No. 1685 on the left frame under the cylinder, and is otherwise unmarked. These revolvers were extremely popular with British serving Officers, who were expected to supply their own sidearms. This is a 5 shot revolver which features a loading lever on the left side of the barrel which when raised rammed the paper cartridge into the front of the cylinder.

In fine overall condition the checkered wood grip has lost 2 chunks of wood on the left side, easily repaired. Blue Grey finish overall, a fine example that could have seen service all over the Empire.

Fully working order, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1862–1870
Caliber: .442 (54-bore)
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length:6 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Single / Double Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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