Welcome to at this time’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve got a Whitney Beal’s Patent “Strolling Beam” pocket percussion revolver manufactured between 1854 and the late 1860s. This options Fordyce Beals’ uncommon strolling beam lever system for rotating the cylinder and cocking the hammer. Fordyce Beals was a prolific inventor who labored with Whitney, Remington, and different producers. His strolling beam design used an exterior lever that “walked” forwards and backwards to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer earlier than the set off may very well be pulled. It was mechanically sound however unconventional.
Whitney Arms Firm manufactured these underneath Beals’ patent as pocket revolvers in 31 caliber. The three-inch octagon barrel and compact body made them sensible for hid carry. The engraved cylinder scene was normal ornament for better-grade pocket revolvers throughout this era. The strolling beam mechanism added complexity that almost all shooters didn’t want or need. Typical percussion revolvers with less complicated mechanisms price much less to fabricate and have been simpler to take care of. Manufacturing numbers stayed comparatively low all through the manufacturing interval. These revolvers are unusual at this time attributable to restricted manufacturing. They’re mechanically attention-grabbing however by no means achieved industrial success akin to Colt or Remington designs.
Most of our POTDs make the most of pictures from our pals at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the USA. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!
Uncommon Whitney Beal’s Patent “Strolling Beam” Pocket Percussion Revolver | Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/1365/whitney-beals-patent-walking-beam-pocket-percussion-revolver. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.
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