Adams Patent Double Action revolver manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, c. 1858. This revolver is one of 500 Beaumont-Adams DA revolvers delivered to the Ordnance Department by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in 1858. The revolver has the Kerr patent rammer on the left side of the six-inch octagon barrel, .36 caliber five-shot cylinder, safety bar on the right side of the frame, hammer with coarse knurled spur and one-piece, checkered walnut grip with a provision in center of grips presumably for a lanyard. The revolver has a high polish blue finish with casehardened hammer and butt cap. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the script "JT" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Joseph Tatnal, and the lower right side is stamped with the script "WAT" initials of Ordnance Inspector Major William A. Thorton. Small Ordnance "A" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the major components. The frame top strap is stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS." in three lines. "ADAMS.PATENT/MAY 3D 1853" is roll-stamped on the lower left side of the frame. "PATENT/JULY 3d.1856" is stamped on the lower right side of the frame. "KERR'S. PATENT/APRIL 14.1857" is stamped on the left side of the loading lever. Substantial numbers of Beaumont-Adams double action revolvers were imported from Great Britain by both sides during the Civil War, but the 500 Massachusetts Arms Co. manufactured Adams Navy Model Revolvers were the only Adams revolvers with Ordnance inspection marks.

Very fine. The revolver retains nearly 80% of the high polish blue finish. Most of the finish loss is concentrated on the trigger guard. There are small scratches, scattered light pitting, surface discoloration and edge wear on the barrel, frame and cylinder. The cylinder, percussion nipples, hammer and edges of the frame have light flash pitting. The grip is also in very fine condition with crisp legible Ordnance inspection marks and sharp checkering. The factory legend, patent marking and Ordnance sub-inspection marks are crisp. The action functions fine.