Patented in 1851, the Adams revolver was the first successful double action revolver, and was adopted by the East India Company for their cavalry. This is a spectacular example of an Adams patent double action percussion revolver that features extensive gold inlaid work done by a period master craftsman. A very similar revolver and accessories was the cover image for the included copy of "Man at Arms," Volume 26, Number 4, August 2004. The magazine also did an additional photo spread on page 54. According to the magazine, the revolver received full coverage of a gold inlaid floral motif on a matte black background in India after its manufacture. This cannot be stressed enough: virtually all of the metal surfaces are covered in gold damascene patterns. The gold inlaid floral motif incorporates vines, leaves, and floral blossoms with large floral scrollwork designs exhibited on the sides of the frame and on the trigger guard. The top strap is marked "Deane, Adams and Deane. Makers to H.R.H. Prince Albert. 50 King William Street, London Bridge" inside a gold inlaid panel. The cylinder appears to be marked "No. 7199/R" inside a gold inlaid panel. The revolver is fitted with a one-piece grip with a high relief floral pattern carving accented with 18 cabochon pigeon-blood rubies and small golden accents. The grip cap also features the gold inlaid floral pattern and has provisions for percussion caps. The partitioned case is lined in green felt. The inside of the lid is lined with faux leather book binding-like material with a presentation inscription in gold: "PRESENTED TO HIS EXCELLENCY/The Maharaja/RAM SINGH/by/The Lieut. Governor of the North West Provinces/John Russell Golvin (sic)." Lt. Governor John Russell Colvin (1807-1857) died of cholera during the peak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and has a tomb inside the Red Fort of Agra. His family was of Scottish descent and was intimately involved in the British Raj as traders, diplomats, and military officers. His father was a member of the East India Company. Colvin was appointed lieutenant governor in 1853 by Lord Dalhousie. Colvin's third son, Auckland, was also lieutenant governor of the region. Ram Singh II (27 September 1835-17 September 1880) was the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1835 until 1880. He is also known to have been the recipient of a similarly ornamented pair of Colt Brevete Dragoon revolvers believed to have been gifted by Prince Albert, and befriended the Royal Family and other British dignitaries. The accessories (Sykes patent powder flask, oiler, percussion cap container, ramrod, screwdriver, and nipple wrench) are carved in the style matching the carved grip and also have gold accents. Extra percussion nipples (4), case key, and two cavity brass bullet mold are also included.

Excellent. 95% plus of the gold remains with very weak markings. The slightly shrunken grips are very fine with an attractive color and crisp carving. All of the cabochon pigeon-blood rubies remain on the grip. Mechanically fine. The case is very fine showing some minor handling marks, a loose partition wall, and some high spot wear on the lining. The accessories are fine. A spectacular piece of antique British imperialism era firearm artwork that would be hard to improve upon!