*British, c.1860, Cased 6-Shot Tranter Revolver, by Thomas W. Watson, Pall Mall, with Accessories, in Brass-Bound Burr Walnut Case, Obsolete Calibre*
An elegant cased Victorian revolver retailed by Thomas W. Watson of Pall Mall, with full accessories including Dixon oil bottle and Eley dummy cartridge.
A superb and ornate mid-Victorian six-shot double-action revolver, of Tranter style, beautifully engraved throughout and complete in its original brass-bound walnut case with blue velvet lining and the trade label of Thomas W. Watson, Gunmaker, 4 Pall Mall, London. The revolver measures 17.5 cm overall with an 8.5 cm octagonal barrel, folding trigger, and exquisite floral and geometric engraving to the frame, barrel, and cylinder. Fitted with polished horn grips inset with escutcheons, and retaining its original ejector/cylinder arbor pin, this is a strikingly elegant gentleman’s sidearm. Chambered for an obsolete 7 mm calibre, the set still retains a period dummy round marked “7 ELEY.”
Markings:
-ELG in oval with star* – Definitive Liège proof, in use 1846–1893.
-Crown over T – Liège Inspector’s crowned mark, adding further authenticity.
-Watson, Pall Mall trade label – London retailer’s mark, highly sought after by collectors.
-Accessories correctly stamped, including the oil bottle by James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, 202P.
Together, these features date the set to the 1860s and place it squarely in the tradition of high-quality revolvers retailed to officers and gentlemen.
Accessories:
The revolver is housed in its original fitted walnut case (23.4 × 15.2 × 5.7 cm) with brass corners and working lock, and retains a full set of period accessories:
-James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield oil bottle (marked “202P”).
-One dummy cartridge, headstamped “7 Eley.”
-Ebony-handled turnscrew with brass collar.
-Steel cleaning rod with knurled button terminal.
-Small spare spring.
-Fitted compartment lids with brass pulls.
A complete and matching set of this quality is rarely encountered.
Historical Note:
William Tranter of Birmingham was one of Britain’s foremost revolver designers, supplying officers in the Crimean War, Indian Mutiny, and American Civil War. His double-action system with folding trigger was widely copied. Continental makers at Liège produced beautifully finished examples which were then retailed in London by prestigious firms such as Watson.
Thomas W. Watson, trading from Pall Mall “under the colonnade,” was a fashionable London gunmaker supplying both English- and Belgian-made arms. His location in the heart of London’s gunmaking quarter placed him alongside Manton and Wilkinson, serving gentlemen, officers, and colonial travellers. Revolvers such as this were intended as discreet self-defence arms, easily carried in the pocket or in luggage.
*Condition*
The revolver remains in very fine condition with crisp engraving and an attractive, honest patina. Action sound with folding trigger intact. Horn grips in excellent order with warm age patina. Case retains its original lining and Watson trade label, showing only light wear consistent with age. Accessories complete and correct, oil bottle with age toning, cartridge clear and legible. This is an outstanding, ornate, and complete revolver set, in a condition that would grace the finest collection. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMCGEXABEO_1528212162
