Pictures of the Rollin White Revolver

[94 Wrangler]

I hope these pictures are clear enough for at least a "in the ball park" estimated value. Thanks to all who have helped me out so far and to those who may also add a reply. I really appreciate knowing the history of this firearm and on Rollin White!

Dave McGrath

 

[texmex]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Rollin White (June 6, 1817 – March 22, 1892) was an American gunsmith who invented a bored-through revolver cylinder that allowed metallic cartridges to be loaded from the rear of a revolver's cylinder.
After the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver came on the market, White began production of a revolver of his own in 1861 in a factory in Lowell, Massachusetts called "Rollin White Arms Company". Approximately 4300 revolvers were made under Rollin White Arms, most of which were sold to Smith & Wesson to keep up with demand."

 

[texmex]

Skinner
Auctioneers and Appraisers of Objects of Value
Rollin White Arms Co. Pocket Revolver
Auction: 2652M Lot:55 Sold for: $570

Looks like the value is similar to S&W Model 1.

 

[Skeetr57]

From the pictures, the Rollin White was probably a better designed and stronger gun than the S&W, since it does not have the weak hinged barrel and cylinder stop of the S&W.

 

[kryten67]

I think your cylinder is in backwards? will the cylinder cycle when you pull the hammer back?

 

[mmaher94087]

Cylinder's in correctly. Cylinder stop is on the bottom of the frame like the 1 1/2 Old Model S&W.

 

[94 Wrangler]

Mike is correct about the cylinder. However by looking at the revolver and not knowing it's design, you would think it was in backwards.

Dave McGrath

 

[27Veer]

What a piece of history.

 

[lionpas]

I think your cylinder is in backwards? will the cylinder cycle when you pull the hammer back?

No this his the way it.s goes

 

[JSR III]

That is very cool and looks to be in great shape. I would love one for my collection.

 

[fourbore]

I own a Lowell Arms Company manufactured lathe which I believe was used in the 1860's production of Rollin White patented revolvers for sale by Smith Wesson. That is made by Lowell under contract for S&W. If there is interest and if I am able, I will post some photos. This is my first post and I am not sure how features work and all the forum policies. I hope it is ok, to discuss machinery and mention that it needs a good home. It was found just outside Lowell and remains close by.

From Wikipedia

After the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver came on the market, White began production of a revolver of his own in 1861 in a factory in Lowell, Massachusetts called "Rollin White Arms Company". Approximately 4300 revolvers were made under Rollin White Arms, most of which were sold to Smith & Wesson to keep up with demand. White liquidated the company in 1864 and the assets were bought by Lowell Arms Company, which began manufacturing revolvers directly infringing on White's patent. White sued them, but not until after they had made 7500 revolvers.

 

[fourbore]

I have a few photos to add to the above.

The lathe as found and cleaned up a bit example of the pistol (not mine)

A curious feature of this lathe is that many parts, handles etc, were nickel plated as you might find on a revolver.

 

[JSR III]

Maybe the NRA museum would be interested in having that lathe?????

 

[Watchdog]

I have a few photos to add to the above.

The lathe as found and cleaned up a bit example of the pistol (not mine)

A curious feature of this lathe is that many parts, handles etc, were nickel plated as you might find on a revolver.

What a beautiful old piece of equipment! I'll bet it weighs a ton, too, doesn't it?

What will you do with it, now that you have it cleaned up?

 

[walter o]

if it was mine I would have to set it up and do some turning on it . lathes like that are made to make things and i could not let it sit idle.

 

[first-model]

The Rollin White story is a complicated one, and one that I hoped to tackle in my thesis that I'm finishing up now. The scarcity of data about Rollin White, the Rollin White Arms Company, the Lowell Arms Company, etc., forced me to focus instead on S&W's earliest years, but I still have a long-term goal of writing a more definitive work on this strange company.

Interestingly, I have not found a good primary source that ties Rollin White to the arms company that bore his name. He was not listed as an officer of the company, nor does he appear in any of the company's advertising. One theory is that the company was formed to capitalize on his name, and was eventually forced to change names.

I can tell you that at their peak of production, they had a fairly well-organized factory.

Mike