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Excellent British 'Mark III' (Adams Model 1873) Army Revolver
Guns International #: 100919479 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Handguns - English Revolvers - Military Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: A & A Gaines Antiques
Member Since: 11/2/08
State: Rhode Island
Zip: 02840
Country: United States
Phone: (401) 846-0538
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 66
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Postal Money Order or Bank Check
Description:
An excellent original british Army issue 'MARK III' - Adams Model 1873 - .450 revolver, dated 1878, with full British military markings.
Somewhere around 10.000 Adams 'Mark III' .450 cal. revolvers were produced for the British Army between 1873 and 1880 which was not a large order for a major European army. Their reported serial range of 5000 - 15700. These Adams revolvers were issued to Royal Army officers, Colonial Militia, and the Royal Canadian Mountedf Police. They saw heavy usage in British colonial wars in Africa, Asia, etc. By 1878 the British government realized it did not have enough revolvers for its needs, and the Adams factory could not increase production. By 1880 the British had developed and adopted the 'Enfield Mark I' revolver. However the Adams 'Mark III' revolvers continued in use with British Colonial units for many more years.
This particular revolver saw service with the 'South Australia Mounted Police', and bears their marking at the rear end of its frame top strap, a broad arrow over 'SA', '225', on its top strap. The 'South Australia Mounted Police' had a very colorful history and during the 1870s-1880s South Australia was considered much like the US Wild West.
Due to a long period of continual usage in harsh environments not many Adams British military 'Mark III' revolvers survive and those seen are usually in heavily used condition with little or no original finish and often well pitted surfaces from exposure to jungle and/or desert conditions. Adams 1873 'Mark III' revolvers retaining any original blue finish are difficult to find
This Adams Model 1873 military issue 'Mark III' revolver has survived in excellent original condition. The revolver retains 95% strong original blued finish with some light handling marks. All serial numbers match. The bore and mechanical functionsd are excellent. the hammer and extractor rof retain their natural steel polish. The trigger and screws retain nearly all their original blued finish. The checkered walnut grips are fine retaining their original military inspector's marks on the upper left side, and their original surface with some light wear and handling marks.
This is a rare exceptional high condition example of a handsome and historical Victorian military revolver representing the best-of-its-type. It is beiung downsized from an old private collection.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: John Adams, London
Model: 1873, MK-III
Caliber Info: .450
Condition: excellent
Metal Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: very fine
Bore Condition: excellent
Action: double or single action
Manufacture Date: 1878