A Colt lawsuit forced Mass. Arms to switch to manually rotated cylinders and led to the adoption of the Maynard priming system in an attempt to win over potential customers. On this early example, the cylinder is released via a small button ahead of the trigger, and then cocking the hammer activates the primer and readies the revolver to fire without further advancing the cylinder. It has a brass blade front sight, "MASS. ARMS CO/CHICOPEE FALLS" and a notch rear sight on the top strap, etched floral designs on the cylinder, scroll engraving on the frame and primer door, "MAYNARD'S PATENT/SEP. 22. 1845." on the primer door, and a flourish of floral engraving on the back strap. There is a small "431" stamp on the bottom of the top strap and grip frame, frame and primer door are marked "925." The revolver comes in a hardwood case fitted to the gun with a Massachusetts Arms Co. marked powder flask, a Massachusetts Arms Co. container for primer tape, a brass ramrod and a brass dual cavity bullet mold for balls.

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. Much of the cylinder etching remains. The hammer and top strap retain 75% of the muted original case colors. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine showing a few minor handling marks with most of the finish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a small sliver of wood missing above the lock, some minor handling/storage marks and high spot wear on the lining. The accessories are also very fine.