A gem made by Gem

[fernando]

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