Adams Patent Five-Shot 120 Bore Percussion Revolver

A fine Adams Patent Five-Shot 120 Bore Percussion Revolver purchased from William Moore & Co, London. Having been commissioned by London socialite and club owner James Prince some time in the 1850s.

James Prince and his brother George Prince of Abbey Foregate, Shrewesbury, Shropshire, owned a cigar divan at 14 Regent St., London in the early 1850s. They started the Ottoman club in 1855, from which sprang the Raleigh Club and were proprietors of Prince's racquet and tennis club Hans Place, Chelsea, 1856-71 and of Prince's cricket club at the same address 1871-86 where courts were made for tennis, badminton and other games, and a skating rink with artificial ice was constructed.

The 'new Prince's Club' became very select and expensive and as a result of increased prices, admission numbers fell and the grounds were closed in 1866. From this was born Queen's club.

James Prince died at Frathay House, Albert Road, Battersea Park, London, on 2 April 1886.

Adams Patent Five-Shot 120 Bore Percussion Revolver, 11.2cm octagonal sighted barrel stamped L.A.C. frame signed 'Adams Patent' and retainer's name 'Wm Moore & Co, London', chequered wood grip with gold escutcheon engraved with James Prince's blazon (Out of a Ducal Coronet or, a cubit arm erect vested Gu., Cuffed Erm., Holding in the hand ppr. three pine-apples of the first, stalked and leaved vert.).

The butt-cap with hinged trap, engraved overall with foliate scrolls and partially inlaid with gold against a blued ground, the cylinder with serial number '35,965R', retaining virtually all of its original finish overall. An exceptional example of type.

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance