The Whittier revolving rifles manufactured in the late 1830s under patent number 216 of 30 May 1837 are the original zig-zag cylinder revolvers. The zig-zag grooves were cut on the external surface of the cylinder, and a pin fastened to the internal hammer rode in these grooves and forced the cylinder to turn when the hammer was cocked. The rear "trigger" revolves and cocks the internal hammer. Whittier made 6, 9, and 10 shot rifles and 6 shot shotguns in various calibers. All were handmade and show individual differences, and less than 100 total were produced. They rarely become available. This example is a 9-shot rifle with shields between each percussion nipple and features a blade front sight in a dovetailed base, dovetailed notch rear sight, "WHITTIER/PATENT" marked ahead of the rear sight and "PATENT" marked behind the rear sight and again on the long upper tang, "67" on the muzzle, "7" on various components, German silver furniture, scroll engraving, and a birdseye maple stock. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very good with dark brown patina and mild oxidation/pitting on the iron, aged patina on the German silver, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has some small cracks and attractive figure. Mechanically fine.