The Pettengill percussion revolvers were some of the most unique American handguns of the mid-19th century. The self-cocking action with the concealed hammer gave the gun a unique, or as some call it ‘odd’, profile.
The book ‘American Percussion Revolvers’ by Sellers and Smith, 1971, states that only 190 of this split lever model were made.
The Pettengill revolvers were made by Rogers, Spencer & Co of Willow Dale, New York in the late 1850s. This example is a 6 shot 31 calibre pocket, with a 4 inch octagonal barrel and split loading leaver. Overall the revolver measures 10 inches (25cm).
The top of the frame is marked ‘PETTENGILL’S / PATENT 1856’. The bottom of the frame is marked ‘RAYMOND & ROBITAILLE / PATENT 1858’. This is partly obscured by the trigger guard.
The serial number of ‘113’ appears on the loading lever, cylinder and faintly on the butt. The action works as intended with a weak hammer fall. The cylinder has some play on its axis. The post front sight has been broken off. The grips show age with some chips missing on the left side grip.
Over all this very unique and rare percussion revolver is a sharp gun.