James Warner, Springfield. Mass., Solid Frame Percussion Revolving Rifle (AL5098)

James Warner, Springfield. Mass., solid frame percussion revolving rifle. Approximately 300 -350 were made, circa 1850s. The overall length is 48½”. Barrel is 29¼”. It is .40 caliber with a six-shot cylinder. The top strap is marked “James Warner, Springfield. Mass.”. The cylinder is marked the same with Warner’s patent under with the same marking on the opposite side. All metal has a smooth steel/ gray patina. The butt stock is good with a repaired crack on the left at the upper tang and a small chip on the upper right. Depressing the hook shaped lever in front of the trigger releases the cylinder, so it can be manually rotated. The ramrod tip fits into the loading lever to hold it in place. The 9⅜” ramrod tip is stored in a receptacle in the butt, it is present. This particular gun is a transition between the two major variations. The first, and earliest, has a safety shield ahead of the cylinder and no loading lever. The second, more common variation, has no safety shield and has a loading lever. This revolving rifle has the forward safety shield and the loading lever. The rifled bore is fine. Action functions correctly. The butt stock has a period repair to the wrist using brass pins. It is well-done. If you’re looking for an early revolving rifle with lots of features, or if you collect Warner Arms, then this one is for you!