Rimfire Antique Revolver

Rimfire Antique Revolver

John Carlson lived in Maynard for several years and worked at the W.B.Case store. He left Maynard about 50 years ago and went to live out west. He carried this revolver for several years. Eventually he became a resident of Harrison, Maine. He joned the Maynard Historical Society in 1981 and attended several meetings with his daughter who lived in Chelmsford.

This is an example of the Rimfire Gun, from Whitneyville Armory, CT. A scarce, early, round barrel Whitneyville .22 Caliber Rimfire Revolver, 2.5" round barrel, marked on the top Whitneyville Armory CT. There is a brass blade front sight.

It was made circa 1871 through 1879 in New Haven, Connecticut. Around 14,000 of these 5-shot revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured by Whitneyville Armory in the 1870s. The grips were normally walnut, rosewood, or hard rubber.

Eli Whitney Sr. established his Whitneyville Armory in 1798 and produced firearms (among other things) by contract for the young U.S. government. Just prior to this, in 1793, Whitney invented the mechanical cotton gin, which dramatically changed the economic landscape in the U.S., namely in the South. Eli Whitney died in 1825, and his son, Eli Whitney Jr., began running the family business in 1841.

John Carlson.

1999.2512

Wood, metal; 8"L.

Good.

AB105

SU6-1