Original British Deane, Adams, & Deane 38 Bore M1851 Dragoon Percussion Revolver- Serial 10392 R Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a real Beast! First introduced by Deane & Adams in London in 1851, the Dragoon Revolver has a huge caliber of 38 bore (about .497″) with great stopping power. These were truly favored in the Crimean War in 1854 against the Imperial Russians. The story goes that a British Officer fired all SIX of his .36 Caliber Colt Navy revolver into a Russian Hussar, but still the Russian cleaved the Officer’s head from crown to jaw before falling dead. The need for the BIG Bore Revolvers had arrived!

This is a MASSIVE double action only 5 shot revolver with NO hammer spur, so there is no provision at all for single action at all. In close quarters firing however, there is often little need or time to use a revolver in single action. Double action revolvers were often less expensive than double/single action examples, so they remained popular. The smaller caliber revolvers were imported in some numbers for the U.S. Civil war, and it is definitely possible that the larger ones were imported.

This example was made by the original partnership between Adams and Dean & Son, as indicated by the faint markings on the top strap:

DEANE ADAMS & DEANE. 30 KING WILLIAM ST.T LONDON BRIDGE.

In 1851, English designer Robert Adams offered his “improved” repeater. Like the Colt, it had a cylinder and single barrel, but the shooter had merely to pull the trigger in one smooth action to cock the piece, rotate its cylinder and fire it. In fact, the revolver could only be fired double-action and lacked a hammer spur. Adams formed a partnership with the father-and-son team of George and John Deane, and established a London manufacturing facility and salesroom.

This revolver is correctly marked with ADAMS PATENT on the right side of the revolver, which is next to serial number 10392 R, with No. 10392 / R also found on the cylinder. The back of the cylinder is also marked with assembly number 4598 next to the ratchet, which is marked on the end of the cylinder pin as well. There is also the correct CROWN / V “viewed” marks on the barrel and cylinder from the London proof house. There are also the CROWN / GP “gunmaker’s proof” markings on the cylinder and barrel as well. The frame under the barrel is marked with * / 38, denoting that the barrel is in 38 bore.

The revolver is in very good condition, though the exterior definitely shows wear and age. The original finish has now faded to a lovely patina with peppery staining and oxidation, perfect for a revolver that was “really there”. It functions well, with a crisp action and solid indexing, and none of the finicky behavior we usually see from revolvers this age. The hammer stop for reloading is present, but the end is broken off, so it no longer functions.

The barrel is in good shape, with clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish, with some wear and areas of light corrosion. The checkered wooden grip is in good shape, without any major wear to the texture, and no chunks or chips missing.

This is a fascinating example that could well be included in any Percussion Revolver Collection. Just splendid, truly MASSIVE and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 38 bore (.497″)
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/2 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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