Engraved "WALCH / FIRE ARMS CO. / N. Y." in script on the left side of barrel, "PATD FEB. 8, 1859" on right side. It has been estimated that fewer than 200 of these were made and this is serial number 2, matching on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and all internal parts. The loading lever is not numbered and may be a replacement. It has been repaired and the number possibly removed. The lever catch and wedge screw are replacements. It is struck twice on the bottom of the barrel in different positions. There is light engraving on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. The engraving is of the New York style, but the engraver has not been identified. The placement of the nipples is somewhat different on these twelve shot revolvers. Only six of them are visible from the side. The nipples for the front load, fired by the right hammer, are in an outer row leading to the tunnel which is raised above the surface of the cylinder above each chamber, while the ones for the rear loads are in the inner row and fire directly into the rear of the chamber. The front sight is a brass cone screwed into the top of the barrel and the rear is a notch in the left hammer, which is the last to fall. The grips are checkered. Unlike Colt, Walch did not trust the wedge to hold the barrel in place and installed a screw through the bottom of the frame into the barrel lug to help do the job.

Good, with gray patina mixed with light pitting overall. The grips are worn smooth with minor chips missing at the corners. Mechanically good. PICTURED APR, p. 179 PROVENANCE Herb Glass