The Whittier revolving guns were manufactured in the late 1830s under U.S. patent number 216 of May 30, 1837, and are considered the original zig-zag cylinder revolvers. 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 are believed to have been manufactured. Rock Island Auction Company has sold less than a handful of the Whittier revolving rifles, with this being the first example of a shotgun we have had the opportunity to offer. Zig-zag grooves are cut on the external surface of the cylinder, and a pin attached to the internal hammer rides in these grooves to advance the cylinder when the hammer is cocked. The rear "trigger" revolves and cocks the internal hammer. This 6-shot shotgun has shields between each percussion nipple and features a blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, "PATENT" in an engraved border marked ahead of the rear sight and "WHITTIER'S/PATENT" in an engraved border marked on the long upper tang, German silver furniture, floral scroll engraving at the ends of the octagon barrel section, upper tang and some of the fittings, with an eagle in a border engraved on the top strap of the frame, and a maple stock. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very good, with mostly brown patina on the iron with some casehardened finish showing on the cylinder, and scattered patches of mild oxidation and light pitting. Stock is good, with an applied outer coat of dark finish, scattered finish flaking, numerous scattered dents and scratches, and a few small chips visible at some of the edges. Mechanically fine.