AP150 .32” R/F tip-up barrel revolver, circa 1860’s.
.32” R/F single action tip-up barrel pocket pistol of the Smith & Wesson No. 1½ type, but with a 6-shot cylinder, spur trigger, two-piece wood grips. With Birmingham proofs, it is quite likely a Webley or British Trade copy of the S&W tip-up barrel revolver: the S&W patents do not seem to have been applicable in Britian. The top spring acts as a cylinder stop, releasing the cylinder to rotate as the humped hammer nose engages as the hammer is cocked. Solid side plate, ejector rod fixed under the 3¾” barrel. Most likely 1860’s or possible early 1870’s. This sort of revolver was popular as a private purchase back-up or side arm in the US Civil War, packing much more of a punch than the original .22 calibre S&W models, thus giving rise to the .32RF calibre and larger. Cleaned overall.