This interesting double action revolver fires from the lower chamber of the unfluted cylinder via an underhammer mechanism. At first glance, the barrel appears to be upside down, but it is in fact installed correctly and has an interesting, flip up, tall front sight and is marked with "32" and two Birmingham proofs. The scroll engraved frame is marked "J.R. COOPER.PATENTEE" on the left side in a banner with a loading cutout on the right, a notch rear sight on top, and smooth, bag shaped grips. James Rock Cooper operated a shop in Birmingham c. 1840-1853 and recorded a pepperbox patent in 1843 according to A. Merwyn Carey in ENGLISH, IRISH AND SCOTTISH FIREARMS MAKERS. Examples of his pepperbox pistols are very similar from the frame back and this revolver is clearly an evolution of his earlier designs. J.R. Cooper and Co. is listed as gun makers at 32 Woodcock Street in CORPORATION GENERAL AND TRADES DIRECTORY OF BIRMINGHAM… (1861).

Very good. The barrel retains 85% of the blue finish on the barrel with a brown patina on the balance. The other components have aged to a gray-brown patina. The left side plate is slightly raised on top due to prying. The grips are very good with some small scratches and minor dings and otherwise a smooth varnish. Mechanically excellent with clear engraving and markings.