Antique Arms of the 19th Century- Firearms Curiosa

 

Norwich Falls "PROTECTOR" .32 caliber rimfire Antique Revolver

This was the first antique metallic cartridge firing revolver that I purchased.

The barrel has "Protector" engraved on the top side,  and "Patent'd April 23, 1878" engraved on the left side.

A replacement spring for the part that rotates the cylinder was needed, and it was a quick and simple job to get this revolver working perfectly.

I am not planning to shoot any black powder cartridges with this revolver. 

It was not manufactured to the same quality standards as Colt , S&W & Remington etc...

The Patent date references a patent for the circular left sideplate/hammer axis pin with slot for turnscrew/screwdriver. 

The catalog sales company Maltby, Curtis & Co.  owned the Norwich Falls Pistol Co. in Norwich, Connecticut between 1877-88 which produced the pistols & revolvers that were sold thru M.C & Co. Catalogs.

Today, Collectors refer to this as a "spur trigger revolver", or a "suicide special".

 My Norwich "Protector" is chambered for .32 Long Rim-fire Black Powder cartridges.

It is a single action, spur trigger revolver with a birds head grip and rosewood grip panels.

Colt New line Pocket revolvers

 

My Colt New Line revolver is the .32 caliber rimfire model, which is the top right in the above advertisement circa.1875

Flitz was the most recommended polish, and with some effort it really did a good job cleaning and protecting the antique nickel finish!