Cicra 1869. This magnificent revolver represents the pinnacle of Victorian large caliber revolvers. Such enormous “manstopper” revolvers are rare with many being rather plain as they were destined for far flung corners of the British Empire where function dominated over aesthetics. This particular revolver is recognized by Tranter revolver aficionados as being the only known fully engraved .577 fluted cylinder Tranter revolver and also finest extant .577 Tranter revolver. It is described and illustrated in “The Firearms of William Tranter” by Ron Stewart on pages 147-148. The whole revolver has a deep blue finish with profuse scroll engraving. The barrel is octagonal with a blade front sight and the top strap has a notch back sight and is signed by the famous London retailer “H. HOLLAND, 98 NEW BOND ST. LONDON”, Harris Holland going on the form Holland & Holland with his nephew Henry Holland in 1876. The frame is stamped on the left side in front of the cylinder “W. TRANTERS PATENT” and struck with the serial number. The cylinder has a detachable cartridge retaining shield and loading is facilitated by removing the cylinder from the frame, the shield locking the cartridges into the chambers. The trigger and hammer are bright, the walnut grip has fine multipoint checkering, and the trigger guard and butt cap are engraved en suite with the frame. The cylinder and barrel are struck with small Birmingham black powder marks. It is believed that only six of these gargantuan revolvers were retailed by Holland. Please see Ron Stewart, "The Firearms of William Tranter", pp.146-8.

This incredible revolver retains 95% original blued finish with some age related rubbing around the muzzle and edges of the frame and cylinder. The trigger guard is mostly a grey patina. The engraving remains crisp and clear throughout. The butt shows a fine figure to the uncheckered areas, the checkering itself remains crisp with some scattered age related storage and handling blemishes and bruises throughout. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.