James Beattie was active from 1832 to 1893 and was listed alone at 205 Regent Street in 1848-1863 and then with his son at the same starting in 1864. He is known for a variety of percussion firearms including pepperboxes and these transitional revolvers. Unlike a traditional revolver, these transitional revolvers do not lock the cylinder in place and instead rely on properly timed double action mechanisms to ensure the chamber is properly lined up with the barrel for each shot. It has fine English scroll and floral engraving, small dovetailed blade and notch sights, "JAMES. BEATTIE. 205. REGENT. ST LONDON." on top of the barrel, London proof and view marks on the barrel and cylinder, 1-6 marked between the chambers on the face of the cylinder, "V[crown]R/PATENT No 2171" on the left side of the loading lever, off-set bar hammer with a sliding safety lever, checkered grip with shell carving at the top, a blank silver escutcheon on the back, and a compartment in the butt.

Very fine with 85% plus original bright high polish blue finish remaining on the barrel and trigger guard, patches of original blue on the cylinder, 50% original case colors (strongest on the bottom, smooth gray or brown patina on the balance, distinct markings and engraving, minor oxidation, and some light scratches and edge wear. The grip is fine and has crisp carving and checkering, some white residue in the checkering, and minor scratches and handling wear. The lever latch is a bit weak, but the action is mechanically excellent. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.