Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This elegant c.1850s British percussion revolver features one of the most innovative designs that never quite caught on – the Joseph Lang “gas seal” system. While most revolvers lose power through the gap between cylinder and barrel, this Parker, Field & Sons revolver uses a mechanical system that pushes the cylinder forward when fired, creating a tighter seal and better performance. Made in London at 233 Holborn by Parker, Field & Sons, this .40 caliber arm showcases the high-end British gunmaking tradition with its finely checkered walnut grip, scroll engraving on the casehardened frame, and meticulous proof marks throughout. What makes this design particularly interesting is how it addresses a problem that plagued early revolvers. That cylinder gap allowed hot gases to escape sideways rather than pushing the bullet forward, reducing velocity and potentially burning the shooter’s hand. The Lang system addressed this by locking and slightly moving the cylinder forward during firing – a clever mechanical solution that added complexity but improved performance. The revolver features a proper loading rammer marked “REGISTERED BY/PARKER, FIELD & SONS” on the right side, with a pivoting stirrup that’s been engraved with scrollwork – showing attention to detail even on functional components. A silver wrist escutcheon (left blank for the owner’s initials) and engraved cap with compartment in the pommel complete this gentleman’s sidearm. While Colt’s simpler designs ultimately dominated the market, these sophisticated British alternatives represent a different approach to solving the same problems – emphasizing precision engineering over mass production. For collectors, they showcase the mechanical ingenuity that flourished during percussion revolver development before cartridge firearms took over.
“Engraved Parker, Field & Sons ‘Gas Seal’ Percussion Revolver.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/1265/engraved-parker-field-sons-gas-seal-percussion-revolver. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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