This is certainly one of the most elaborate and stunning exhibition quality panel scene engraved pair of Adams patent double action percussion revolvers we have had the pleasure of cataloging. Of the approximately 1,000 manufactured by the Mass. Arms Co., only 400 were made for the commercial market. . The engraving is simply incredible. Words fall short to express the master quality engraving, on par with the work by the preeminent 19th century engravers including L.D. Nimschke himself. The most impressive embellishments are the large American West themed panel scenes on the top straps and cylinders. These scenes depict classic “cowboy and Indian” imagery. Both cylinders feature slightly differing chase scenes on horseback with a cowboy in pursuit. Each scene on the top strap presents a variation of a dramatic action scene where the cowboy is dangerously outnumbered by his adversary. The Wild West themed engraved panels certainly give high end American flair to these European designed handguns. On the “A” revolver the frame is decorated with a large eagle grasping spears and olive branches on the left side and a coronet on the right side. The eagle and coronet are also featured on the “B” revolver frame but are reversed. The eagle is on the right side, and the coronet is on the left side. Elegant flourishes of classic scrollwork decorated the frames, back straps, grip caps, and trigger guards. Engraved bands decorated the cylinders at the front and rear. "MAY 1858" lightly visible on left side of the frame and "PA" over "June" on the right side. The barrels are signed with a New York retailer marking: “W.J. SYMS & BROR.” The cylinder on “A” has the number “693,” and the cylinder on “B” has the number “746.” A loading lever is mounted on the left side of the frames. The revolvers are fitted with blade and notch sights. The addition of a coronet embellishment suggests that this pair was intended to be presented to royalty. The coronets display five visible leaves which commonly corresponds to a duke. Although no historical documentation is provided with these revolvers, it is of special note that Grand Duke Alexei, the son of Russian Tsar Alexander II and the brother of the future Russian Tsar, partook in a tour of the United States in the autumn of 1871 that was met with grand fanfare and was viewed as a major milestone in U.S.-Russia relations. This was one of the most regal expeditions put on by the United States government to date. The royal visit came on the heels of Russia’s sale of Alaska to the U.S., and relations between the two countries was at an all-time high. The entire tour garnered a lot of favorable national media coverage, and the touring royal was often greeted with large crowds. Part of the Grand Duke’s tour included a buffalo hunt that started on his 22nd birthday. Wild West showman Buffalo Bill, General George Custer and Pawnee Indian chiefs accompanied the Russian royal. It is known that the Grand Duke carried with him a Gustave Young engraved S&W large caliber handgun with finely decorated U.S. and Russian coat of arms on the grip that was presented to him when he visited the S&W factory. The coronet and eagle on these revolvers is reminiscent of the coat of arms embellishment on the known S&W revolver carried by the Grand Duke. The Russian royal was able to nab two buffalos, one of which was at a distance of 100 paces with a pistol shot. The hunt left an indubitable mark on the Grand Duke. As a reminder of his great American adventures the Grand Duke organized in St. Petersburg annual entertainment that expressed the imagery of the American West. This pair of highly embellished revolvers would have certainly made for a grand gift for Grand Duke Alexei who became enthralled with everything Wild West.

Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The hammer retains 75% original nitre blue. The grip is very fine with a crack visible on the back at the cap and a couple of long vertical age stress lines, otherwise highly attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A."

Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The cylinder pin screw is absent. The hammer retains 75% original nitre blue. The grip is fine as repaired on left rear right side with highly attractive color and grain on the balance. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic example of exhibition quality engraved pair of Adams patent double action percussion revolvers fit for royalty. The extraordinary American West panel scenes alone make for a grand work of 19th century artistry befitting of any advanced public or private collections.