National Arms Co. Single Action Teatfire Revolver .45 cal.

[Bob Riebe]

               
              



           



             


                Only a very limited number of these well-designed revolvers were manufactured around the mid-1860s by the National Arms Co. By some estimates only 6 or 7 of these revolvers still exist making them among the rarest revolvers of the 19th century.
      It is easy to see how these revolvers would have been very popular had they not had to unjustly dance around the Rollin White patent and been able to be chambered in a traditional rim or centerfire cartridge. As it is, it is a very rare example of the ingenuity of mid-19th century arms makers trying to produce innovative cartridge revolvers while avoiding Smith & Wesson's legal team. The teat-fire cartridges contained the priming materials in the small teats at the end of the cartridges and are loaded through the front of the cylinder.

 Serial no. 3, .45 teatfire caliber, 6-shot cylinder, 7 1/2-inch round barrel with octagonal section near breech; marked on top of barrel: NATIONAL ARMS CO BROOKLYN, N.Y.; German silver blade front sight; steel frame; ivory grips. Ejector on right side of frame; lanyard ring on butt.

               
                                                         .45 Teat Fire