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Engraved 1870’s James Reid “My Friend” Antique .22 Caliber Brass Knuckle Duster 7 Shot Revolver
Guns International #: 103355359 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Reid Knuckle Dusters - .22 Pistols
Seller's Information
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Seller: Singlebill
Member Since: 3/12/25
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Singleton
State: Tennessee
Zip: 38138
Country: United States
Phone: (870) 635-0319
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Personal check, money order or cashiers check
Description:
Irish-born James Reid, an émigré from Glasgow, Scotland, arrived in America with his young family in1857. An experienced machinist, Reid first settled in New Jersey, then soon moved to New York City. While living in New York City Reid began his gun manufacturing business. In the 1863 New York City directory, his residence was shown as 171 East 26th St. with "pistolmaker" listed as his occupation. It was around that time that James Reid’s 9 year old daughter, Annie Jane, experienced a malady affecting her lungs. Physicians her recommended she leave the confines of the city to escape the poor sanitation, air, and drinking water. Following the doctors’ suggestion, the Reid family left New York City for the country air of upstate Catskill, N.Y.
Also around that time Reid began work on a new design for his pistols. This novel concept was a small revolver that could fit into the pocket of one’s vest or trousers. This firearm also served a dual defense purpose not only as a small-caliber pistol, but as a brass knuckle which he christened the "Knuckle Duster." In December 1865, Reid was granted a patent for an "Improvement in Revolving Fire Arms." Reid’s claimed that, "My invention is applied to a series of short barrels mounted on a center-pin ... I form the handle with a bow behind the trigger-shield so that the implement may be held securely in the hand and used for protection after the barrels may have been discharged, or before it becomes necessary to use them." The mechanism involves a cylinder that rotates on a center pin. When loading the Knuckle Duster, that center pin is unscrewed from the frame. This permits one to remove the cylinder to load it with 7 .22 short rim fire cartridges. This was a unique design for its time. With this knuckle bow, one could hit an opponent without injuring one’s hand, upholding Reid's philosophy to "Never shoot a man if you can knock him down."
Reid's Knuckle Duster was an uncomplicated single-action design with a rounded "birdshead" hammer design. This prevented the revolver from being ensnared when pulled out of a pocket. Reid also found that by engraving the frames with floral scrolls and other embellishments, it smoothed any jagged edges and camouflaged imperfections left behind in the brass casting process. Reid’s son, James, Jr., helped in this phase of production. With the cessation of a superior Smith & Wesson’s patent in 1869, Reid began manufacturing his Knuckle Dusters. The .22 Knuckle Duster was his best-seller and was manufactured with both silver-plated brass and blued-iron frames in New York, from 1868 to 1882, and sold for around $10 each.
The overall condition of this piece is good. Cylinder is dinged and discolored but no pitting that i see. Floral scroll and embellishment engraving is sharp throughout with the beautiful uniform brass patina throughout. The action (hammer/trigger) is strong and the cylinder indexes properly when cocked. The safety device forward of the trigger, usually missing on many of these guns for sale but present on this one, is a little loose. Priced to sell so i can buy another gun!
Chambering: .22 Rimfire (short, black powder)
Overall length: 4 1/4"
Cylinder: 1 7/16" long, round with seven chambers (not rifled)
Hammer: Birdhead-style
Frame: Brass with iron cylinder, pin, trigger, hammer, and safety latch
Finish: Patinad brass
Estimated period of manufacture: 1868 through 1882
Markings: MY FRIEND PATD DEC. 26, 1865 on left side of top cylinder strap.; sharp serial number 7890 stamped on underside of knuckle bow.
Price: $1,995.00
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .22 Short
Handgun Caliber: .22 Short
Manufacturer: James Reid
Model: My Friend
Serial Number: 7890
Barrel Length: 1 1/2”
Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Good
Action: Functions properly
Engraving: Entire frame