Product Description
Scarce WESSON & LEAVITT Antique DRAGOON Revolver .40 Cal MASSACHUSETTS ARMS
1 of Only 800 Manufactured
Here we present an antique Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson & Leavitt Dragoon Revolver, manufactured circa 1850 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Arms Company was formed in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts in 1849 and was incorporated in 1850. The first guns produced in 1850 were the larger “Dragoon” sized revolvers in .40 caliber, as is this example. Later in 1850, the firm introduced a “Belt” size revolver in .31 caliber. Both revolvers utilized side-mounted, back action locks that operated in a “single action” fashion.
During the brief production run (1850-1851) of Wesson & Leavitt revolvers, Massachusetts Arms produced about 800 of these larger Dragoon revolvers and approximately 1,000 of the Belt revolvers. Production was ended during 1851 due to a successful patent infringement lawsuit that was filed by Samuel Colt.
Massachusetts Arms lived on the brink of bankruptcy until the expiration of the Colt Patent in 1857. It was at that time that Massachusetts Arms introduced their licensed version of the Adams patent revolver. This was quickly followed up by the introduction of Dr. Maynard’s “1st Model” carbine, which was a successful product as well. Despite a fire that temporarily closed the company in January of 1861, by 1863 a reorganized version of the Massachusetts Arms Company was back in business, under the direction of Dr. Maynard. This company would remain in the firearms business through the end of the American Civil War and going out of business in 1866.
The overall condition is good. The action is functional but the cylinder indexes a bit too far and does not lock up. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. Grips show use and some light refinishing and remain solid.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 7-1/8 inches.
Caliber: .40 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
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$3400
#233658