This is a rare example of a Beaumont-Adams revolver, originally manufactured by August Francotte of Liege, Belgium, as a percussion revolver and subsequently converted by P. Stevens of Maastricht, Netherlands, to accept a centerfire cartridge. Reportedly, P. Stevens supplied an example of one of these centerfire conversion revolvers to the Dutch Navy in 1869 in an attempt to interest them, but this system was not adopted. The one-piece barrel and frame group have a dovetailed blade front and notch rear sight. Engraved with scrolling foliage on each side of the breech, border engraved top strap with maker marking, cylinder with engraved forward edge and stamped with maker and conversion marks, P. Stevens markings on the striker housing and loading gate, and engraving on the butt cap. Includes a lined mahogany case with a brass escutcheon on the lid inscribed "den 1st Luit.t C.D.H. Sethe. de Offic.r van den Rycursus.1862" which translates to "[For] 1st Lieutenant C.D.H. Sethe [from] the officers of the riding course.1862", manufacturer's trade label on the inside of the lid, and containing a cleaning rod, oiler and lead balls. This rare revolver is pictured on pages 516-517 of the book "The Visser Collection" Volume I part 4 catalog no. 908 by G. de Vries and B.J. Martens, page 223 of the book "Nederlandse Vuurwapens, Landmacht, Marine en Koloniale Troepen 1866-1895" by the same authors, and pages 41-45 of "Die Militarrevolver der Niederlande 1856-1940" by H.E. Harder and W.A. Dreschler. Provenance: The Henk L. Visser Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. Grip is also very fine with some light handling marks and defined edges and designs. Mechanically excellent. Included case is fine with some light handling marks.