S/unit26 Oct24/800/pepperbox J.r. Cooper Patent Revolver with Under-hammer 6 Shot Action. circa 1845.

J. R. COOPER; a 19th century.400 six shot percussion cap pepperbox revolver, the 3" fluted barrel bearing London proof marks, The lock inscribed with the maker's details and further inscribed 'Patentee'.

Fine Scroll engraved action with a lot of original Case-Hardening finish and signed J.R. Cooper.

Signed and foliate engraved rounded patent, ring trigger, foliate engraved back-strap and fine figured walnut stock.

Measurements

Barrel 3"

Overall length 19cm.

In excellent original condition with general age related wear to the handle, tarnishing and minor pitting, the mechanism is working order. See photos for condition.

Joseph Rock Cooper patented his design, no.86 for 'many barrelled revolving pistol and gun', on 7th November 1843.James Rock Cooper 1838-63. 24 Legg Street Birmingham. Under hammer double action pepperbox patented 20 Sept 1849.

The pepperbox revolver, named because it resembles a peppercorn grinder, was an innovation in handgun design in the mid nineteenth century because it not only enabled the use of four or more shots loaded and ready to fire, but it was simple, compact & light compared to larger percussion revolvers.

A plate in the left side of the frame is retained by a peg and a small screw. Removing the plate permits access to the lock mechanism. The inverted hammer or striker and the large ring-trigger are attched to the same pivot screw. A spring-loaded plate attached to the trigger on the outside of the frame has a blade-like hook at its forward end which engages with a corresponding notch on the small exposed area of the head of the hammer. By pulling the trigger the hammer is drawn back against mainspring pressure and a spring-loaded finger-like plate, which engages with the ratchet on the rear of the barrel cluster, rotates the barrels one place anticlockwise. By pulling the trigger back to its fullest extent the small plate drawing back the hammer comes in contact with the underside of the frame and is forced out of engagement, allowing the hammer to fall onto the nipple of the undermost barrel. The trigger returns to its original position, when released, by spring pressure. The lock parts are all of high quality manufacture.

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