3036

Confederate Tranter Revolver in the Blue with Case and Holster [152261]

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Confederate Tranter Revolver in the Blue with Case and Holster [152261]
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This is a Tranter double action 3rd model revolver in blue, 5 shot cylinder in .44 cal. with a 6 in. barrel from 1856. S/N 14775T with case and holster previously carried by Col. Isaac Edward Clark during the Civil war. The gun is deeply polished and blued as only the British can do. The firearm has some surface oxidation but retains about 70% bluing with some color loss at the barrel right side. The Tranter double action revolver exists because Sam Colt and the Colt Patent Firearms Co. had the single action revolver technology firmly protected in patent rights. This one is the 3rd model double action and the hammer is made without the familiar spur so common on U.S. made revolvers; it is not needed for double action. The gun functions but the forward action of the top trigger is not working properly. Interestingly, all percussion nipples have been removed from the gun. This pistol was carried, used, and later packed away loaded. At a much later date, it is speculated, that the gun should be unloaded safely. This was accomplished by removing the nipples from the back of the cylinder and the lead bullets pushed out with a punch. There are seven nipples in the case. The case interior is in poor shape but all there. All accessories are present including the Tranter percussion cap box, Tranter bullets in a tin, a Tranter bullet mold with two rounds still in the mold, a James Dixon Sheffield powder flask, nipple wrench, loose nipples, cleaning rod, oiler jar, and ramrod. A locking key is absent. There is light border engraving at the muzzle and an inscription has been removed from the butt of the gun. A very rare gun in very good condition with a minty fresh bore. The case is in need of restoration. The original holster is included with the gun and appears to have been professionally made. The walnut grips are in fine condition with crisp checkering. The percussion nipples fit the wrench and may be installed without much difficulty. Because this gun was carried, it shows signs of use. All gun collectors know that if guns could talk they can tell a story; this one speaks volumes. Tranter revolvers were imported via Hyde and Griswold of New Orleans before the Civil War and with Thomas, Griswold & Co. during the war. Importers would have to run a blockade to get these guns to American shores. Colonel Clark bought this gun in London when most of the Tranters went to confederates by running blockades. This gun sold for $220 during the war while a Colt 1860 Army cost about $23 at the same time. This gun is an antique and no attempt has been made to fire this gun to confirm its mechanical integrity. Nor should this gun be fired without the examination by a qualified gunsmith. Any attempt to fire an antique is at the risk of the owner and not consistent with the value of the firearm. No sales to New York City, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii. No FFL required.
This gun is accompanied by Colonel I. E. Clark's formal wear long coat. It has 16 eagle buttons intact at 13/16 in. diameter and 13 stars. The coat would be considered a man's medium of today when the average size of a man in 1860 would be about 5ft. 8 in. tall. Providence of both items are from a family descendant.
Provenance: Jim & Barbara Sherman Private Western Mining Museum