Guns International #: 103195775

Category - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Handguns - American Pistols

Category
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Handguns - American Pistols

Rare Antique Brooklyn Firearms Company / Slocum Front Loading .32RF Pocket Revolver

Description:
Rare Antique Brooklyn Firearms Company / Slocum Front Loading .32RF Pocket Revolver
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufactured by: Brooklyn Firearms Company, Brooklyn, New York
Production Date: 1863–1864
Estimated Production: Approx. 10,000 units
Firearm Description and condition:

• Frame: Factory engraved Brass (originally silver-plated, now mostly worn to brass) 
• 3” Barrel:  with a slight oxidized bore showing strong rifling throughout.
• Barrel: Steel, originally blued; now faded to a soft gun-metal grey patina
• Grips: Smooth rosewood, bag-shaped, with a handsome aged finish and light handling marks.
• Cylinder: 5-shot, sliding segments for front-loading cartridges. Cylinder has a tiny bit of play at lock-up. Action functions as it should in half and full-cock position.
• Barrel Markings:  remain clear and legible
  “B. A. PATENTED APRIL.14.1863” (Referring to designer Frank P. Slocum’s unique cylinder patent)
   

Historical Background:
This distinctive Civil War-era pocket revolver is a fine example of 19th-century American firearms innovation. Produced by the Brooklyn Firearms Company during the height of the Civil War, the Slocum revolver was designed to circumvent the Rollin White patent held by Smith & Wesson for rear-loading bored-through cylinders. It features a unique sliding cylinder segment system for front-loading metallic cartridges—an ingenious workaround that marked its place in firearms history.

This particular example showcases a brass frame, originally silver-plated, now with most of the silver worn away, revealing a warm, aged brass patina. Bottom of the butt frame has a few dings from probably being used as a hammer to hang posters. Back in the day nobody carried a hammer but most everyone carried a pistol.  The steel barrel, once blued, has gracefully aged to a soft gun-metal grey,  with traces of the original blue adding to its character. The revolver is fitted with smooth, bag-shaped walnut grips, retaining good form and finish for its age.
Chambered in .32 Rimfire, this 5-shot revolver was compact, concealable, and favored by Union officers and civilians alike for personal defense during uncertain times. This innovation offering both concealability and metallic cartridge reliability during a time of rapid firearms development.
With approximately 10,000 units manufactured only 2 years  between 1863 and 1864, surviving examples—especially those retaining original components and finish—are increasingly sought after by collectors.
This revolver represents a clever workaround of patent law and a unique snapshot of Civil War-era American ingenuity. Surviving examples in original condition, even with worn finish, are increasingly rare and desirable among collectors of antique arms.
 
Note: This revolver is considered an antique under federal law and is not classified as a firearm by the ATF.  NO FFL required.  Always check local laws before transfer or display.
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: Brooklyn Arms
Model: front loading
Barrel Length: 3