Only around 1,000 of the Maynard primed belt revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851. Of these, 200 are known to have been purchased by John Brown in 1857 for use in his violent opposition to the expansion of slavery in "Bleeding Kansas" in the antebellum era. A small button ahead of the trigger releases the cylinder stop so the revolver can be turned by hand. It features a rounded blade front sight, "MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS" on the top strap, "NOV. 26. 1850" on the barrel latch, "146" on the barrel lug, floral and martial etching on the cylinder, "205" on the recoil shield, scroll and floral engraving on the frame and primer door, "MAYNARD'S PATENT/ SEP. 22. 1845." on the primer door around an eagle and shield motif, silver plated grip straps and trigger guard, and smooth walnut grip. Two strands of Maynard primer tape, age unknown, are inside the primer compartment. Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection

Fine with 85% plus original silver plating taking on a natural aged patina, strong original blue finish concentrated on the breech end of the barrel, the barrel latch, and the primer door, strong original case colors on the bottom of the frame by the trigger, traces of original case colors elsewhere, some mild pitting concentrated by the nipple and vent holes, and mild handling and storage wear. The grip is also fine and has mostly smooth surfaces, mild handling wear, smoothed small chip at the tail of the lock, and some scratches and marks. Mechanically fine.