Original British Victorian Officer’s Named M-1879 Tranter Revolver in Sam Browne Holster Rig – Circa 1894 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind Set. Here is a typical late Victorian Officer’s large .450 cal revolver by WILLIAM TRANTER, complete with the Officer’s name and Regiment that comes with it’s leather holster, Sam Browne belt, cross strap and and leather sword frog. The revolver still retains much of its private purchase high blue finish and the top flat of the barrel still retains the Supplier’s name and address:

COGSWELL & HARRISON, 192 NEW BOND STREET & 226 STRAND, LONDON

The wood grip are fully checkered and in near mint condition and this revolver has a large 6 inch octagonal barrel. The left barrel flat bears London proof marks, as well as the caliber marking of 450, meaning the revolver was made for the .450 Adams cartridge, also known as .450 Boxer Mk I. It would also most likely take the later .476 Enfield and .455 Webley Mk I cartridges, which actually all had .455 diameter bullets, like the .450 adams.

As with all the M1879 revolvers made by Tranter, the lower left frame bears the patent markings and serial number:

W. TRANTER’S
PATENT
4070

William Tranter was a major Birmingham gun maker who made many private purchase weapons at his factory until his retirement in 1885. After this he leased the factory to his friend George Kynoch, and by 1888 was called the Aston Arms Factory. This places production of the gun most likely in the early 1880s, which falls right in line with the caliber marking. It was then probably purchased and later customized for the officer it is named to.

Condition is as pictured. As far as we can tell, the revolver is fully functional, and has a nice bore with clear lands and grooves. A really nice example, with a great provenance.

On the circular bottom plate of the grip there is engraved the Officer’s name and Regimental information :-

* LT. PROTHEROE SMITH *
21ST. LANCERS

Internet research tells us that Lt. Protheroe Smith was an Officer in the 21st Lancers and, more importantly, was an Officer who participated in the famous Cavalry Charge at OMDURMAN in 1898 in the SUDAN WAR that finally avenged the murder of General Charles Gordon in KHARTOUM in 1885.

Lots more research potential. Leather of the Sam Brown rig somewhat worn, the revolver although showing some wear is just wonderful. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1882
Caliber:  .450 Adams / Boxer 
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 3/4 inches
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver