Pettingill Patent Double-Action Percussion Revolver:

Looking through my book 'Guns of The Old West' I noticed that this smooth looking black-powder revolver seemed to not have any hammer so I had to try see what I might find-out.

The Pettingill Patent Percussion Revolver.

It does actually have an internal hammer - so is fired D.A. only - I haven't found any reviews that assess how it worked or what weight was the trigger pull - but it seems to have proved to be mechanically complex and somewhat unreliable in the field.

ArmsCollectors.com have an excellent detailed photo-story on this novel double-action percussion piece that was produced by Rogers,Spencer & Company of Willow Vale.

First patented by C. S. Pettingill of Connecticut in 1856 (improved 1858 &1862) - exactly 2,001 guns were delivered to the US Government - but it seems that as many as 3,000 total may have been made - judging from the serial numbers.

The Army model was a .44" calibre and had a 7.5" octagonal barrel with six rifling grooves. 

I haven't found a description of how the double-action worked - so you may have to try work it out from the picture of the action above.. but one site calls it a "pepper-box style double action mechanism." which should help the knowledgeable among us.

There was a shorter 'Navy' model in .34" calibre with a 4.5" barrel.

Unusual Calibre that .34" eh

These guns saw service in the American Civil War - however Rogers & Spencer used the front-end of this gun in their shortly to be developed .44" calibre single action revolver - as clearly shown in the next picture: But the S/A had a five groove barrel.

Rogers & Spencer Percussion Revolver:

Said by 'those who know' to be one of the very best percussion revolvers made - these guns were too late to be used in the Civil War - despite the War Department contract for 5,000 of them. These guns were held in store in New York until they were eventually released in 1901 and auctioned-off in unused condition for around 50 cents each.

- Remember that 1901 starter price next time you try to buy one or even a replica eh.

Marty K

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