Tranter Fourth Model Double Action Revolver

This is a Tranter Fourth model percussion revolver. Circa 1864. The 4th model revolvers (which were introduced in 1856) used a single trigger, and a more conventional double action lock work. They were produced in a variety of calibres, including 120 bore (.320"), 80 bore (.380"), 54 bore (.442"), 38 bore (.500") and 24 bore (.577"). This example is a 5-shot revolver chambered in .380 or 80 bore and featured chequered walnut grips, intricate hand engraving with the retailer on the top strap "Cogswell & Harrison 223 & 224 Strand London". In 1863 Benjamin Cogswell (Jnr) and Edward Harrison went into partnership and become Cogswell & Harrison at 224 Strand, London. The barrel and cylinders bear the correct period proofs. The actual revolver appears in the William Tranter book by Wolfgang Berk.

These revolvers were often purchased by the British gentry and were also supplied to the US during the American Civil War (1861-1865).