Allen and Wheellock Revolver.

[Grapeshot]

OK guys and gals, here's a history question for you all.

I just came back from the local range,  In the display case was an Allen and Wheellock Revolver.  The caliber is .44 Lip Fire.  Pattent date was 1859.  It was a really nice revolver in beautiful condition.

The Loading gate had a button that was spring loaded with a detent that held it close and the trigger guard had a small lever at the rear that was pushed back, releasing the trigger guard to pivot forward and push the ejector rod back to push the cartridge out.  This was a solid frame revolver and was mechanically flawless.

The only flaw I could ascertain was the cylinder stop spring was either weak or broken because the cylinder would not lock up.

The finish was very good, it seems to have a blue octagonal  barrel, and traces of what looks like copper plating on the frame.  It balanced well and it was for sale for $4500.00.  Just a bit to rich for my blood since they no longer make lip or "teat" fire cartridges anymore.

You can bet you last dollor I was trying to figure out how to engineer that gun to fire some sort of centerfire cartridge.