Description
One of only 15,000 produced (in both .31 and .36 calibers) of the double action Cooper percussion revolvers. The James Maslin Cooper Firearms Company was begun in Philadelphia in 1850 and later based in Frankford, Pennsylvania, lasting until 1869. They produced a number of pocket pistols and the most successful of which was the Double Action Pocket Revolver. These five shot .31 caliber revolvers resembled Colt’s M1849 revolver; however, unlike the better known Colt, Cooper’s revolver could be fired in double or single action and was among the first American revolvers to offer this feature.
This particular example is in fine condition and was made in 1863. Cooper revolvers were popular private purchase sidearms for Union enlistedmen and officers, and it’s quite possible that particular revolver was purchased and carried during the Civil War. Mechanically, this revolver is excellent. The action works perfectly on both single and double action. All markings, including the extensive patent information on to top barrel flat, are intact and legible. The bore and chambers are all very good with sharp rifling and only minor “frost pitting” in the grooves. The grips are original and in excellent condition, retaining most of their original factory varnish. There are minor cracks near the top of both, indicating the pistol was used as a hammer at some point in time—perhaps a desperate attempt to be used as a weapon without ammunition!
There were over 20 equivalent Colt Pocket revolvers made for every Cooper—relatively rarely encountered.
