Adams Mk II Revolver

Maker Adams Pottery (1657 - 1892)

Datec 1870

Object numberV00027315

NamePistol

MediumSteel, wood

ClassificationsArmament

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe Mk. II revolver was produced by the Adams Patent Small Arms Company between 1867 and 1870. Revolvers such as this were used extensively by British military forces and civilians. This revolver is thought to have been used by Captain J. Banks when he captained commercial vessels in the mid-nineteenth century.HistoryBrothers Robert and John Adams patented a percussion revolver in 1851. These were produced by Deane, Adams & Deane until 1856, when the firm was dissolved. Patents were taken over by the London Armoury Company directed by Robert and John Adams and John Kerr. In 1857 the Beaumont-Adams was adapted by the War Office, and gained popularity in the Indian wars. In 1867 John Adams patented a metallic cartridge revolver with side ejector. This was adapted by the Ordinance Board to replace the Beaumont Adams. Shortly afterwards John Adams formed the Adams Patent Small Arms Company. The firm closed in 1892. The Adams Mk II pistol was produced between 1867 and 1870. It was manufactured in two calibres, .45 for service use and the smaller .38 for civilian use. This example is of the smaller calibre. The Adams revolvers featured a double-action; that is, they could be fired by simply pulling the trigger. Earlier revolvers required the pistol to be manually cocked before firing. The double action was a considerable improvement, and Adams revolvers were used extensively by British military forces and civilians. This pistol and related holder is thought to have belonged to Captain J. Banks, Master of the commercial vessels LA HOG and DUNCAN DUNBAR in the mid-nineteenth century. SignificanceThis pistol is an example of the weapons that some officers carried on commercial vessels in the mid-nineteenth century.