Manufactured circa 1858 with a total production of only about 100, these revolvers were made by Abel Shawk and J.K. Mc Lanahan of St. Louis, Missouri, who were Confederate sympathizers prior to the Civil War, and were not Confederate produced as often regarded, however, were considered at one time to have Confederate connections. Shawk was an inventor and maker of steam engines and these revolvers were made in his shop using the same machinery. The revolvers were designed similarly to the Whitney Navy revolver. No patent was ever obtained and it is believed that only 7 revolvers are known today (see American Percussion Revolvers, page 158 by Sellers and Smith). The only markings are the serial number on the right rear of the loading lever, on the cylinder and on the bottom of the frame. Some of the revolvers were marked with the address on the backstrap and some were not, such as this revolver. Iron barrel, loading lever, trigger, cylinder and hammer with a brass frame and trigger guard. The iron parts were blue and the brass was left bright. Dove tailed front blade sight and a notch in the hammer and sighting groove in the top strap. The revolver is fitted with smooth two piece walnut grips. This revolver is pictured in the "American Percussion Revolver by Sellers and Smith on page 158.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have a crisp gray patina with some overall scattered minor pitting. The brass has an attractive aged patina. The grips have shrunk a bit with age and remain very good with a few minor dents and scratches. The action needs adjustment, it is very hard to cock, otherwise it functions properly. The serial numbers are crisp and clear. A very nice, rare pre-Civil War revolver.