Presented is an original, English, double-trigger, Second Model Tranter revolver, and the invention of British gunmaker William Tranter of Birmingham, England. In 1856, Tranter entered his weapon in a firearms test sponsored by the British Army and won a government contract for his new type of revolver. Tranter produced various models of his all-iron, combination single-action, double-action, cap and ball percussion revolvers in Birmingham, England during the last half of the 19^th century. An astute and successful businessman, he also licensed other arms manufacturers, retailers and importers to act as his agents in the manufacture and sale of his products at home and abroad. Though expensive at $200.00 each, the revolver was very popular in the Southern states at the time and when the Civil War broke out, the Confederate government bought quantities of British arms. Also, many Confederate officers privately purchased the Tranter revolver for personal use.

Seldom-seen of the different Tranter-patent models, this early Tranter specimen circa 1854-1855 is a high-quality, solid frame, profusely engraved, percussion cap and ball revolver referred to as the 2^nd Model. Handgun features the most popular 54 bore size (.442 caliber) with a five-shot cylinder matched to a 6” octagonal barrel that employs a detachable hinged type loading lever assembly on the barrel’s left side. A unique dual-trigger cocking mechanism provides either single or double-action capability to the soldier / user. Sidearm measures 11¾” long, weighs 31 oz. and displays a one-piece black walnut, checkered grip. Ramrod side face exhibits a small, plain oval disc stamped with “W. TRANTER’S / PATENT” in crescent form.

A decorative engraving of floral scrollwork is seen over the entire revolver including the frame, barrel, ramrod, cylinder, muzzle, top strap, loading lever, butt strap, triggerguard, and the pommel cap. Most all revolver metal appears to have been cleaned at one time. It now wears a mottled salt & pepper light gray sheen overall. Thin but visible stampings on the top strap reveal the retailer markings of “ALEXANDER THOMSON 16 UNION PLACE EDINBURGH”. The five-shot, unrebated cylinder has all five original nipples that protrude from the back of the cylinder as well as numerous British proof marks clearly stamped on the surface. Lower right side of the frame bears the engraved serial number “N 5618 T” in script. Assembly number “58” appears stamped on both the cylinder and on the loading lever. Original frame screws not buggered up. Mechanics are crisp and tight.

The fine original, black walnut double-hinged, lockable wood case measures 14½” long x 7½” wide x 2½” high. Lock key is missing. The multi-compartment interior case is covered with original green velvet that shows moderate surface grime from wear and use. A reproduction label is glued to the interior portion of the case lid. Exterior of wood case has a circular brass medallion inset on the lid’s center face. Medallion is engraved with a “R. A. Harries”. All wood is in very good condition with normal dings and scratches from age. Not cracked or chipped.

Case contains the small oiling can; three metal tins, one of which is japanned and stamped “ELEY BRO / LONDON” and has a good number of copper percussion caps inside. Also a small wood handled screwdriver and separate nipple-wrench, a brass, tear-drop style powder flask, a large brass bullet mold with sprue cutter, the original wood cleaning rod with brass tip and wood pommel. Also comes with six, original, lead conical bullets plus two original cylinder nipples. This original Second Model ‘Tranter’ double-action revolver is a fine, high quality specimen that would complement any gun collection.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!