Incorporating Thomas Pennell’s British Patent no. 1038 of April 29, 1853, this rare British revolver is believed to be one of around twelve Pennell patent revolvers thought to survive. The revolver was retailed by Rowntree of Penrith in the northern English county of Cumbria. With blued octagonal barrel with multi-groove rifling, niter blued blade front sight, engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the muzzle and scrollwork at the breech end, signed “ROWNTREE. PENRITH” on the top flat, and with unique hooked rammer mounting and pivoting barrel catch marked “PATENT” on the front . Plain cylinder and scroll engraved action, the top plate of the action engraved “PATENT” and enclosing the striker, a sprung stud safety locking the striker and the base of a belt hook at on the left side of the action. Furniture comprising blued trigger guard and casehardened butt cap, the latter with hinged trap cover. Walnut butt with fine multi-point checkering. Birmingham proof marks. For further reading see A.W.F. Taylerson, R.A.N. Andrews and J. Frith, “The Revolver 1818-1865”, 1968, p. 301.

Fine. The engraving is clear throughout. The barrel retains 60% original blued finish. There are some storage and handling scratches and marks. The rammer hook and belt hook are incomplete. Casehardened finish on the cylinder and action has faded to a mostly brown patina. There are numerous strike marks visible on the top plate of the action. The trigger guard and butt cap have traces of original finish. The checkering is mostly well-defined with some storage and handling marks and bruises. The butt sitting slightly proud of the frame and is chipped on the left side. Mechanically fine.