This is one of only approximately 400 commercially sold revolvers out of the 1,000 Adams Navy Model revolvers manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in the late 1850s and early 1860s. The revolver has the Kerr patent rammer on the left side of the barrel, 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 for a lanyard. The top strap is stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS." in three lines. Matching serial number "858" marked on the cylinder, loading lever, left side of the frame, and top of the grip. "ADAMS.PATENT/MAY 3. 1858" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. "PATENT/JUNE 3.1856" is stamped on the right side of the frame. There is a small "W" on the left of the frame below the serial number. Approximately 600 of these Massachusetts Arms Co. manufactured Navy Model revolvers were purchased and inspected by the U.S. government during the Civil War and it is likely that many of these remaining 400 "commercial" revolvers were purchased privately for use during the war.

Fine, retains 75% plus of the period refreshed blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown-grey patina, some very slightly softened markings, and some scattered patches of very light pitting visible under the finish on the refinished cylinder. The grip is also fine with some scattered minor dings an crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.