Rare Antique Lucius W. Pond Single Action .32RF Pocket (Belt) Revolver / Civil War era

Description:
ANTIQUE Rare Lucius W. Pond Single Action Pocket (Belt) Revolver
Manufacturer: Lucius W. Pond
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Production Period: approx. 1861–1870
Typical Caliber: .32 Rimfire (pocket model)
Action: Single-action
Capacity: 6-shot cylinder
Barrel Lengths:  4"octagon barrels
Frame Type: Tip-up hinged frame for loading
Trigger: Spur trigger
Finish: Originally blued steel frame, barrel, and cylinder (often found today with gray/brown patina)
Grips: Smooth Walnut
Barrel Markings 

• “L.W. POND WORCESTER MASS PAT’D JULY 10 1860”
• “MANUF’D FOR SMITH & WESSON PAT’D APRIL 5 1855” (rare litigation-related marking)

Condition: 4” barrel with a good bore showing moderate spot  pitting , light oxidation and still showing evident rifling.  Blued metal finish has faded to an antique gun-metal gray patina with some light surface pitting on the receiver in front of the cylinder. Smooth walnut grips are in very good condition with light handling marks.. All parts are correctly numbered to the gun and all barrel markings are clear and legible. Mechanically works well in single action with a strong hammer spring. Timing is good, barrel to frame lock-up has a little play.

Historical Company Background
Lucius Willson Pond was a Worcester, Massachusetts machinist and inventor who began producing cartridge revolvers around 1861, during the American Civil War era.
At that time, Smith & Wesson controlled the famous Rollin White patent for a bored-through cylinder, which allowed metallic cartridges to be loaded from the rear of the cylinder.
Pond’s revolver used a similar cartridge system and was therefore considered an infringement on the S&W patent. In 1862, Smith & Wesson (with Rollin White) successfully sued Pond.
As part of the settlement:

• Pond had to turn over thousands of revolvers to Smith & Wesson.
• Those guns were stamped “Manufactured for Smith & Wesson Pat’d April 5, 1855.”
• S&W resold them to the public after paying Pond roughly his manufacturing cost. 

About 4,000–4,500 revolvers were involved in this arrangement, making these marked examples particularly interesting to collectors.    Afterward, Pond attempted alternate designs to avoid the patent but these were awkward and commercially unsuccessful, and production ended around 1870.

Antique guns are sold as collector items only with no representation as to their safety to shoot or use.  These revolvers were made for Black Powder cartridges only
Asking $675.    all reasonable offers considered.   If you buy more than 1 firearm from me , I will discount each addition firearm at 15% off the listing price. 


This firearm is an antique and no FFL is required. Please include an ID for proof of age, unless you have purchased from me in the past.   It is your responsibility to make sure the item is legal in your state and you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.
FREE USPS priority shipping will be provided.  This gun is sold "as-is" as a collectible with no warranty express or implied. and no returns.
Payment can be made with bank check, postal, money order, or personal check and must be sent within 7 days of close.
For instant payment please contact me for account info and item will be shipped as soon as funds are receive. I can take Venmo, Zelle or Cash App. For credit card purchase use the GunTab icon at checkout.  An email with tracking number will be sent as soon as item is shipped.
 

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: L.W.Pond
Model: Pocket revolver
Serial Number: 5720
Barrel Length: 4

Price: $675.00
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