Summary

Tranter 4th model single trigger percussion revolver, cal. 320 in (120 bore), rifled blued steel octagonal barrel 90 mm (3 3/4 in) long. Serial no. 15957. Made by WIlliam Tranter, Birmingham, England, circa 1863.

In wooden case with seven compartments. This particular example, although carrying the address of William Richards, Liverpool, on the gun itself, appears to be an original and very complete cased set retailed by noted Sydney dealer, Henry Challener in the 1860s. The engraving on this example is particularly extensive and attractive.

Physical Description

Profuse foliate-scroll engraved loading lever attached to L.H. side of frame. Five chambered cylinder polished, profuse foliate-scroll engraved blued solid steel frame, triggerguard and buttcap, polished steel hammer and trigger, blued hook-shaped safety catch on frame R.H.side, 'S'-shaped arbor latch on frame R.H.side, chequered wooden grips, pin front sight, notched rear sight. Stepping away from the double-trigger models that had become almost synonymous with the Tranter revolver, Tranter's 4th model employed a single trigger mechanism that allowed for both single and double action firing. Wooden, probably cedar, cased lined in green baize with seven major compartments and Henry Challener, Sydney, trade label on lid inner reads in part 'H. CHALLENER/ PRACTICAL GUN MAKER AND IMPORTER/ 61. KING STREET, WEST./ SYDNEY'. Case contains brass Tranter's patent bullet mould, G & J.W. Hawksley powder flask, cleaning rod, tin of Tranter's lubricating composition, tin of Tranter's lubricating bullets, a tin of Eley Bros. percussion caps with a label that reads '250/ No. 8 Short/ FOR REVOLVERS', pewter oil bottle, and nipple wrench. Vacant brass escutcheon on lid outer, and lid upper fastened to lid frame through 10 brass screws.

Significance

The first of William Tranter's percussion models to introduce a spur at the rear of the rigger to pivot the sear and disengage it from the hammer, thus allowing double action - if the trigger pulled in one motion - or single action, when the hammer is cocked first and then the trigger pulled. This system was later employed by Tranter on the 1868 model cartridge revolvers, and subsequent models.

Australian retailed by prominent Sydney gun retailer, Henry Challener, with his trade label fastened to inside of lid. A very good and complete example of the same.

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