Manufactured circa 1855-56. This carbine incorporates British Patent No. 1298 of 26 May 1853 and No. 2602 of 11 December 1854. It features a browned twist octagonal barrel rifled with three grooves and signed "HARVEY’S PATENT BREECH LOADING REVOLVING CARBINE." The cylinder is signed "HARVEY’S PATENT" and numbered from "1" to "6" and has a band of foliage engraved at the front edge and turned bands at the rear. A rotating ramrod/stripping tool is mount on the right side of the barrel block (ramrod lacking). Bead front sight, folding ladder rear sight, border and scroll engraved nipple shield and action (the latter with engraved sliding safety catch on the left side), blued border and scroll engraved trigger guard fitted with a cutter for opening paper cartridges, figured walnut roach belly butt with chequered semi-pistol grip, silver escutcheon, and engraved iron buttplate. There are Birmingham proofmarks. William James Harvey had worked in partnership with his father John from 1843 until 1850 at their 68 South Street premises in Exeter and took over the business and ran it under his sole name until 1870. William registered two patents concerning revolving firearms, both of which are incorporated in this carbine. This carbine was formerly in the Dr. R.C.S. Pointon collection (Halls of Shrewsbury, 13 October 2005, lot 23).

Fine. Retaining 75% faded original finish throughout. The engraving remains crisp throughout, and the mechanism functions correctly with good spring pressure. There are some age related storage and handling marks to the stock and checkering remains crisp. Overall a fine and rare British percussion sporting carbine.