An impressive early example of the famous british 'Pryse' revolver in its original case with proper assecories. The Pryse revolver was an important development in British and Continental revolver design in the 1870s. It was one of the first practical break-open simultaneous extraction military size revolvers. It was also the first revolver to offer a rebounding hammer safety making it safe to carry the revolver with all chambers loaded. The 'Pryse' quickly became popular with British officers and others headed for dangerous environments needing a reliable army size revolver.Both Pryse and Stanton held patents applying to this revolver's design but it seems unclear which inventor patented what feature.
This Pryse, in cal .450 Revolver, with 5 1/2" bbl. and short cylinder, has the features of very early production examples, ca. 1875, in that the extractor does not have a spring return device, the dismount levers are retained with small bosses, and the frame bears 'Stanton' markings. The revolver has a full set of Birmingham, England proofs (Birmingham is thought to be the first location where Pryse revolvers were built) and there is a Liege 'ELG' proof on the rear of the cylinder. Taylorson in ''The Revolver 1865-1888" states that early Pryse revolvers very often have both British and Liege parts which may indicate some kind of cooperation in manufactureas the inventors also held Continental patents. This very early Pryse does not have retailer markings and may have been sold directly from the factory. the famous P. Webley soon realized the superiority of the Pryse design, and its popularity, and took over primary manufacture of the revolver.
This cased Pryse is in excellent condition retaining 98% nickel finish with good patina and fire blued screws. the checkered walnut grips are in similar condition. The revolver shows little if any use, mechanical condition is excellent with lock up crisp and tight as new. The inside of the chambers are clean and bright, the rifing in the bore is sharp and clean but there is some light storage rust.
The oak case is in excellent condition with proper screw driver, cleaning rod, jag, and pewter oiler. This is a superior example of an attractive and historical British officer's revolver.
We do not suggest firing antique firearms. Anyone considering firing an antique arm like this should have it fully checked for firing safety by a professional gunsmith.
This is an antique revolver that does not require FFL to ship. However, we will only ship to FFL holders in NY, NJ, and other locations that do not recognize antique arms. The buyer is fully responsible for abiding by his state firearms regulations. We will not ship to locations outside the USA, but th benefit foreign buyers we will ship to fully licensed firearms exporters within the US.
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