A gem made by Gem

fernando · 11th September 2008, 04:58 PM

Now, this ain't no junk at all.
It took me years to find out who the maker was; i finally had someone to track me on the right guy.
This "Beaumont Adams" type percussion revolver, dated 185?-186?, in 58 bore caliber, was made (or assembled) and traded by Edward Gem, one of the members of the Birmingham weapons lobby.
The seller who i bought it from, has acquired it in an auction in Lisbon. Considering the estucheon on the case cover and the bronze seal that was left ( forgotten ?) inside, this has belonged to a Portuguese count (earl). The shape of the nine pearl crown (coronel) has such characteristics. There were only eight ( or nine) counts at this stage in Portugal; it all indicates it belonged to a famous one, who was a military and a polititian.
Probably this was a rank presentation or a birthday gift ... or something of the kind.
Its pristine condition can be seen in the pictures. I love its rifling profile.
Everything is original, except for the case lining, which was in a tragic condition, due to some stupid restoration atempt; i had to rip off the original material and replace it with "velvet" sticking paper.
Fernando

Ed · 11th September 2008, 05:05 PM

That is a beautiful gun. Really superb. Your pictures are also excellent. What type of camera do you use?

fernando · 11th September 2008, 05:15 PM

Thank you so much Ed.
These pictures are from my files and were taken in 2005, with a "pioneer" Sony DSC cybershot camera. It was already four or five years old by then; now it's very tired and old fashioned. I can only close up 4", whereas any new lightweight "cheap" stuff can aproach 1". I guess it's more a question of stubbornness; i may take the whole day and hundreds of trials till i am satisfied. Also naturally the item to be pictured helps a lot

.
Ah, i allways use a tripod; it improves accuracy. No chance to do other way, anyhow ( one handed i am

)
Fernando

celtan · 11th September 2008, 05:26 PM

Wow, what a beautiful collector's item Truly a heirloom!

Best regards

Manolo

fernando · 11th September 2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celtan

Wow, what a beautiful collector's item Truly a heirloom!

Best regards

Manolo

Gracias Manolo

Norman McCormick · 11th September 2008, 06:20 PM

Hi Fernando,
Now that's a NICE pistol.

My Regards,
Norman

fernando · 11th September 2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Fernando,
Now that's a NICE pistol.

My Regards,
Norman

Thank you Norman

I enjoy having it.
Even the case is in an impecable condition.
... and there still is lubrication product inside the tin and original bullits inside the compartment.
Fernando

Paul Macdonald · 11th September 2008, 07:22 PM

A beautiful and well preserved piece Fernando.

You must be such a proud father

fernando · 11th September 2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Macdonald

A beautiful and well preserved piece Fernando.

You must be such a proud father

Thank

you

Jim McDougall · 11th September 2008, 08:48 PM

Absolutely breathtaking Fernando!!!
It is truly amazing to see the incredible forthcoming interest in antique firearms discussion, and the outstanding pieces such as this posted here. It seems that in we have in sense, 'awakened a sleeping giant'!!!

This really is terrific, and its wonderful to open new areas of learning (for me at least) as we incorporate the study of antique arms and armour in all fields. While my focus personally has long been as noted, on edged weapons, it is nearly impossible to not have been drawn from time to time to beautiful and historic firearms such as those posted here as we have begun this forum.

Thank you for sharing this beauty Fernando!

All the best,
Jim

11th September 2008, 04:58 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	A gem made by Gem Now, this ain't no junk at all. It took me years to find out who the maker was; i finally had someone to track me on the right guy. This "Beaumont Adams" type percussion revolver, dated 185?-186?, in 58 bore caliber, was made (or assembled) and traded by Edward Gem, one of the members of the Birmingham weapons lobby. The seller who i bought it from, has acquired it in an auction in Lisbon. Considering the estucheon on the case cover and the bronze seal that was left ( forgotten ?) inside, this has belonged to a Portuguese count (earl). The shape of the nine pearl crown (coronel) has such characteristics. There were only eight ( or nine) counts at this stage in Portugal; it all indicates it belonged to a famous one, who was a military and a polititian. Probably this was a rank presentation or a birthday gift ... or something of the kind. Its pristine condition can be seen in the pictures. I love its rifling profile. Everything is original, except for the case lining, which was in a tragic condition, due to some stupid restoration atempt; i had to rip off the original material and replace it with "velvet" sticking paper. Fernando Attached Images

11th September 2008, 05:05 PM	#2
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 237	That is a beautiful gun. Really superb. Your pictures are also excellent. What type of camera do you use?

11th September 2008, 05:15 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you so much Ed. These pictures are from my files and were taken in 2005, with a "pioneer" Sony DSC cybershot camera. It was already four or five years old by then; now it's very tired and old fashioned. I can only close up 4", whereas any new lightweight "cheap" stuff can aproach 1". I guess it's more a question of stubbornness; i may take the whole day and hundreds of trials till i am satisfied. Also naturally the item to be pictured helps a lot . Ah, i allways use a tripod; it improves accuracy. No chance to do other way, anyhow ( one handed i am ) Fernando

11th September 2008, 05:26 PM	#4
celtan Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PR, USA Posts: 679	Wow, what a beautiful collector's item Truly a heirloom! Best regards Manolo

11th September 2008, 06:20 PM	#6
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Hi Fernando, Now that's a NICE pistol. My Regards, Norman

11th September 2008, 07:22 PM	#8
Paul Macdonald Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 48	A beautiful and well preserved piece Fernando. You must be such a proud father

11th September 2008, 08:48 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,948	Absolutely breathtaking Fernando!!! It is truly amazing to see the incredible forthcoming interest in antique firearms discussion, and the outstanding pieces such as this posted here. It seems that in we have in sense, 'awakened a sleeping giant'!!! This really is terrific, and its wonderful to open new areas of learning (for me at least) as we incorporate the study of antique arms and armour in all fields. While my focus personally has long been as noted, on edged weapons, it is nearly impossible to not have been drawn from time to time to beautiful and historic firearms such as those posted here as we have begun this forum. Thank you for sharing this beauty Fernando! All the best, Jim