Original British Victorian Officer’s Private Purchase Tranter .442 Rimfire Revolver circa 1870 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Traditionally British Officers, all Gentlemen and from an affluent background, were expected to pay for their own sidearms, both revolver and Sword. Back in the 1600s and early 1700s The Colonel of the Regiment was often expected to provide ALL weapons and Uniforms for the entire Regiment. During Queen Victoria’s “LITTLE WARS” after the Crimean Campaign, all over the empire like India, Canada and South Africa, the Private Purchase system was still in full force for Officers. This finally started to change with the 1890s with the Boer War.

Here is an excellent example, very possibly purchased by an Officer going overseas to one of the many parts of the empire where a military presence was needed. This is a truly up market example of Tranter’s patent Revolver, with the supplier information engraved on the top of the barrel:

J. H. CRANE. 3 ROYAL EXCHANGE. LONDON.

J.H. Crane worked as a Military Outfitter and distributor for TRANTER between 1868 – 1879. Where this actual revolver actually ended up we can only speculate. There were numerous conflicts during the 1870s.

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

W. TRANTER’S
PATENT
5680

William Tranter was a major Birmingham gun maker who made many private purchase weapons at his factory until his retirement in 1885. The patent marking is also present on other parts of the revolver. The basic design of his revolvers was originally developed for cap and ball percussion, but was easily adapted for later Rimfire and Centerfire cartrdges.

Retaining much original blue finish with some wear spots, the walnut checkered wood grip shows hardly any wear whatsoever. This is most certainly a very desirable and fine condition British Officer’s Campaign Revolver. Six Shot with side gate access on the right hand side to the rear of the chamber for re-loading.

Fully working and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber:  .442 Tranter Rimfire
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 3/4 inches
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver