Offered here is a novel hand gun produced by the Massachusetts Arms Company in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. This company was forced to redesign their revolvers after losing a patent infringement case with Colt. This is the “Maynard Primed Belt Model Revolver” which is sometimes known as the “John Brown Model” due to his purchase of 20% of the total production. Manufactured from 1851 through 1857 with total production of approximately 1000.

This specimen is a six-shot, .31 caliber revolver with a round 6” barrel. Stamped on top of the hinge is “MASS. ARMS CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS”. Blade and notch sights are mounted on the top of the barrel. Only very faint remnants of the floral etching remain visible on the cylinder. Elaborate floral engraving on top, left and right sides of the frame as well as the hammer. The door to the Maynard primer on the right side of the frame features a shield, an eagle, and Maynard’s patent date. All gun metal shares matching smooth, pewter-gray patina.

Mechanically strong hammer and trigger action with unusual system to access the cylinder. There is a “hook” on the barrel that is rotated to unlock the barrel and allow it to swing upwards via a hinge at the breech. This allows access to the cylinder. As is typical with early Mass. Arms revolvers there are three different assembly numbers found on the parts: “450” on the end of the cylinder pin, “384” on the back of the cylinder, and “776” on the frame.

Trigger guard and back strap were silver plated brass. Only the trigger guard retains the plating. Varnished walnut grips are in fine condition with only light edge wear and a few small dings.

A very interesting and early variety of revolver. [jet] [ph:L]

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