Patent #21, 730 was issued to Thomas K. Austin of New York City 12 October, 1858. With some modifications, this revolver became the Pettengill Civil War revolver. This tiny example shows all of the patent features, but few of the ones later used. The brass frame is only 3 inches long, 2-3/8 inches high, and 15/16 inches thick. It has a removable side plate on the left side. The six shot cylinder is 13/16 inches long and 15/16 inches in diameter. The barrel is screwed into an iron box frame that is fastened to the frame by five screws, two on the top strap and three on the bottom. The barrel is rifled with six grooves having a right hand twist. The frame is engraved with light floral scrolls. There is an eagle and flag on the backstrap and a cavalryman in a plumed helmet on a rearing horse on the side plate. The primer door has "67" in the center of a large star surrounded by the same floral scroll engraving. When the plate is removed, three of the five springs, the hand or pawl for turning the cylinder, same for turning the primer, the straight line striker, the primer cam, the striker cocking mechanism, and several pins and screws are revealed. This mechanism is slightly simpler than the patent. The turning mechanism is more like a normal revolver than the multiple saw tooth flex on the patent. Other features are the same as the patent but only the springs and one of the cams made it to production. The use of a striker instead of a hammer is unique on a revolver in this period. THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN SPECIMEN OF AN AUSTIN POCKET REVOLVER. A Navy model was in the Stagecoach Collection.

40% light blue on barrel, top strap, and primer cover. The cylinder has been cleaned. The mainspring is broken and other internal parts are missing. The grips are good with a tiny chip missing at the left toe. PICTURED APR, p9