Engraved "G.A. BLITTKOWSKI" on top of the barrel, THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN specimen of an AMERICAN needle fire revolver. Gustav Adolph Blittkowski of New York City held three patents on guns; this one, #14710, was for a needle fire revolver and was granted to him and Frederick W. Hoffman 22 April, 1856. We do not know why Hoffman's name does not appear on the revolver. This well made five shot revolver was muzzle loading. This is a small revolver for the large cartridge. The needle fire cartridge was a self-contained cartridge with the primer mounted on the base of the bullet. The needle struck through the powder charge and was in that position when the charge exploded. This was the fault with the system as the heat and corrosive effects of the explosion weakened the needle, often causing them to break. The front of the cylinder is covered by a heavy shield to prevent injuries from the multiple discharges, with a hole on the left side for loading. The loading lever, mounted on the front end of the cylinder pin, was just like those found on normal percussion revolvers.

Fine with 80% blue on cylinder, 60% on barrel, mixed with scattered fine pitting. Traces of casehardening in protected places on frame. 90% varnish on grip. Mechanically fine. PICTURED Swinney, Vol. 5, p.54, Flayderman. PROVENANCE Wm. Renwick, Frank Sellers 1978.