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RARE INSCRIBED MASS ARMS ADAMS PATENT REVOLVER,

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
RARE INSCRIBED MASS ARMS ADAMS PATENT REVOLVER,
DAVID ELSTON, 4th ILLINOIS CAVALRY. Cal. 36, S# 732. Adams Patent "self-cocking" revolvers manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company are most often associated with State of Virginia purchased revolvers in mid-1860 and US army purchases in late 1850s. Total commercial sales of these pistols is unknown, but this is one of the those rare ones that made it to a named soldier in the Civil War. Inscribed on backstrap: "D. T. Elston". There is only one D. T. Elston in Union or Confederate rosters and that is David. T. Elston, 4th Illinois Cavalry. Flayderman estimates production at 1000 revolvers, and I am unaware of a serial number above 1000. Regardless, identified Mass Arms made large frame Adams patent revolvers are rare. This revolver like several State of Virginia guns have small inspector initials stamped on frames and cylinders which never made it to final inspection for U.S. government contract. The number "463" on "Kerr Patent" loading arm represents the 463rd revolver that Mass Arms owed royalty to the English patent holder. David T. Elston (1836-1907) born in Chicago, was 25 year old banker when he enlisted as a corporal in Co. A, 4th Ill Cav October 10, 1861, promoted to sergeant and served till discharge June 15, 1863. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: file of research, service records and pension records. CONDITION: very good overall, complete and matching, strong traces of finish are found on frame and barrel, grips are fine and well fit with light wear to checkering. Markings all discernible. Mechanically revolver works well in both single action and "self cocking" double action mode, safety is functional. Good rifled bore. PROVENANCE: from the Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. (01-24998/JS). ANTIQUE. $1,000-2,000.