This revolver incorporates British Patent No. 235 of 8 February 1858 and is believed to be the only single action Ball patent percussion revolver known. It features an octagonal sighted barrel engraved with a band of foliage at the muzzle, border and scroll engraved top strap, casehardened cylinder cut with a decorative roped band towards the front edge, border and scroll engraved frame stamped "H. BALL'S PATENT" on the left side and with removable inspection plate, bright hammer (checkered spur) and trigger, automatic hammer safety, checkered figured walnut butt, bright border engraved rammer marked "PATENT" with separate head moving on a pyramidal rail, border and scroll engraved trigger guard and buttcap engraved with a large flower head. There are Birmingham proofmarks. Comes in the original fitted mahogany case lined with crimson velvet with accessories, including a good Sykes revolver flask, rare single cavity brass bullet mould, elongated nipple key/barrel stripping tool with ebonized handle, and Dixon oil bottle. The exterior of the lid has a shaped brass escutcheon. Henry Ball is recorded in Birmingham between 1849 and 1868. He was granted a number of patents. Patent No. 235 covers his percussion revolvers and also included a design for an anti-garotter belt pistol which was worn in the small of the back and fired by a cord. His percussion revolvers were all handmade, and while beautifully finished, the cost was prohibitively expensive when compared to rival factory made revolvers which resulted in very limited production.

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% original finish throughout. The grip is fine with mostly sharp checkering, mild handling marks, small nicks, and edge wear on the upper left. The mechanism is crisp. The case is very good with some fading to the lining and a replacement case lock. The accessories are in very good original condition. A very fine example of an exceedingly rare and exquisitely made British percussion revolver.