This is an example a hammerless self-cocking revolver manufactured by the Exeter gunmaker William James Harvey. The firing pin or "discharging ram", as Harvey termed it, acted in a line parallel with the axis of the barrel. Very few arms were made under Harvey's patent of 1853. The revolver is characterized by the saw handled grip with rounded butt. The top barrel flat is marked "HARVEY EXETER NO 3620." Scrolled engraved casehardened frame and blued trigger guard with a silver oval inlay on the butt engraved in script '"FGC". The six-shot cylinder has the chambers consecutively marked with Arabic numbers and alternating "crown / GP" and "crown / V" proof marks. The proofs are also marked on the bottom barrel flat. Blade front and notch rear barrel sights, finely checkered grip, barrel wedge that enters from the left and left frame safety button. Complete with a wooden case with a "FGC" marked in script initial lid plate and containing the following: 1) a plain brown bag type flask; 2) a oil container; 3) an empty black Eley cap tin; 4) a blued bullet mold numbered to the gun; 5) a cleaning rod; 6) a Hicks cap tin with caps; 7) a key; and 8) several formed and pre-formed bullets. The case is green fabric lined with a Harvey label attached to the inside of the lid.

Very fine with the barrel and trigger guard retain approximately 80% of the bright original high polish blue finish with the beginnings of a smooth silver patina. The cylinder and the section of the frame holding the cylinder exhibit a smooth silver patina. The revolver retains half of vivid casecolor. The grip is excellent with some light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The markings and engraving are clear and crisp. The accessories are fine. The case is excellent with some minor exterior handling marks. The label is clear and sharp with slight age discoloration. From the Will Hoffeld Collection.