William Tranter is historically important as one of the first makers of significant double action revolvers starting with the introduction of his "Double-Trigger Safety Revolvers" in 1853 which was refined over a few years culminating in the release of this version in 1856. This is one of the finest Tranter revolvers extant. The scroll engraving matches the patterns on those showing in William Tranter's advertisements for this model that year but actually includes a higher degree of coverage, particularly on the barrel. In addition, it has a very scarce presentation inscription from the inventor himself. The top strap is inscribed "Presented to/Edward Freer, Esqr.," and the inscription continues onto the barrel with "By the Patentee, Wm Tranter, 1858." This appears to be Edward Major Freer, Esquire (b. 1811) of Leicester. The Freer family were railway investors and land owners, solicitors, and law-enforcement officials in Leicestershire, and Edward Freer was a partner in the Leicestershire Banking Company. Leicester is just east of Birmingham where Tranter's factory was located. There is also an Edward Freer operating as an agricultural merchant and exporter in Birmingham which may be the same man. As noted above, this 80 bore (.387 caliber) revolver has extensive traditional scroll engraving. The barrel also has a bead style blade front sight. The Third Model rammer is marked "W. TRANTER'S/PATENT." The left side of the frame above the rammer screw is marked "WT." The left side of the cocking trigger is also marked "W. TRANTER'S/PATENT." The right side of the frame has the early Third Model serial number "No. 8916, T." "17" is marked on multiple components, including the rammer, cylinder, and trigger group. The grip is finely checkered. The revolver comes in a mahogany case with blank lid escutcheon, blue lining, fitted interior, and the following accessories: factory tins for Tranter patent lubricating bullets and lubricant, James Dixon & Sons oiler and small powder flask, two screwdrivers, a bore rod, spare nipples, and an "80" marked bullet mold.

Excellent with 95% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, gray cylinder, strong niter blue finish on some of the small parts, and bright rammer, hammer, and trigger group. There is some slight edge wear. The engraving, inscription, and markings remain crisp. The grip is also excellent and has sharp checkering and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also very fine. There is some minor cracking at the top of some of the dividers, but the case and accessories exhibit mostly only minor storage and age related wear. This is an extraordinary set centered on an incredibly scarce revolver presented by William Tranter himself.