This is an excellent, totally original, example of an Early Type Massachusetts Arms manually revolving pocket revolver. These revolvers were manufactured circa 1851 to 1860, with a total production of the earliest type, manually revolving at only about 900 and were manufactured in 28 caliber only. The top strap is marked "MASS. ARMS CO/CHICOPEE FALLS" and the primer door is marked "MAYNARD'S PATENT/SEP 22, 1845". The matching serial number is marked on the right side of the front strap under the grip, on the inside of the primer door and on the right side of the frame under the primer door. "82" assembly number is also marked on the right side of the frame under the primer door. These manually revolving revolvers operate by a release button mounted on the inside of the trigger guard. Pushing the button up releases the cylinder and the shooter then manually rotates the cylinder. The primer door and left side of the frame are engraved with floral scroll designs and the cylinder is etched with floral designs. Brass cone front and fixed notch rear sights, silver plated brass trigger guard, casehardened top strap and hammer, and blue remaining parts. The revolver is fitted with smooth ivory grips with "190" marked on the inside of each panel. Complete in an original walnut case with wine colored velvet fitted lining. In the case is a Massachusetts Arms company powder flask, a container with 6 full and 1 partially rolls of original primer caps, with the lid marked in relief letters "MAYNARD'S PATENT/SEP 22 1845/MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEEFALLS/MASS."., brass bullet ramrod, key and a brass two cavity conical bullet mold. This revolver was Mass. Arms Company’s response to Samuel Colt’s injunction. It evaded all of the features of Colt’s patent.

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% of the bright original blue finish with some mild, crisp smooth gray patina on the frame and grip straps. The top strap and hammer retain 98% original bright case colors. The grips are also excellent with a couple of minor age stress lines and a very pleasant caramel aged patina. The etching, engraving and markings are all crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a few minor dents and scratches on the exterior and some contact wear and fraying on the lining. The accessories are all excellent including the flask which is as spectacular as the gun!