Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This early 1850s percussion revolver from the short-lived Springfield Arms Co. represents the explosive era of gunmaking innovation driven by new patent laws. Its distinctive double-trigger design attempted to avoid infringing on Colt’s patents. The front trigger rotated and locked the cylinder, tripping the rear trigger which then released the sear to fire. Other unique features included a safety notch to carry fully loaded and a variety of calibers and barrel lengths across Springfield’s models. However, this double-trigger system still violated Colt’s patents. After producing only around 125 of these .36 caliber double-trigger Navy revolvers and other models, Springfield Arms Co. was forced out of business by Colt’s patent litigation in 1851.
“Only an estimated 125 of these double trigger Navy revolvers were manufactured around 1851 based on James Warner’s designs. The Springfield Arms Co. opened in 1850 and the following year later due to Colt’s relentless patent litigation. The company had hoped the double trigger mechanism would work as a way to sufficiently differentiate their revolver mechanism from Colt’s. The front trigger rotates the cylinder and then hits the rear trigger that in turn releases the hammer. It is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMS CO.” lightly on the top strap, has martial and floral themed etching on the cylinder, “WARNER’S/PATENT” on the left side of the frame at the rear, post and screw slot sights, and smooth grips. “5F” is marked on the loading lever, top strap, top of the frame, rear of the cylinder, and grips. The left grip panel and right side of the action under the grip are marked “26.”
Lot 275: Springfield Arms Company Navy Revolver 36 percussion. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/67/275/springfield-arms-company-navy-revolver-36-percussion.
