Colt's instructions for C & B revolvers...

[Mick Archer]

   Howdy Pards!

   The "instructions" for loading and cleaning original Colt C & B pistols found on their broadsides as well as in smaller version on the box lids reads:

  Directions for Loading Colt's Pistols.

  First explode a cap on each Nipple to clear it from oil or dust, then draw back the Hammer to the half-cock (as in the engraving,) which allows the Cylinder to be rotated; a charge of powder is then to be placed in one of the chambers, the barrel being elevated, and a ball with the pointed end upwards, without wadding or patch, is then to be put into the mouth of the chamber, turned under the Rammer,
and forced down with the Lever below the surface of the Cylinder, so that it cannot hinder its rotation (care should be used in ramming down the ball not to shake out the powder from the chamber, thereby reducing the chaqrge.)  This is repeated until all of the chambers are loaded.  Percussion caps are then placed on the Nipples on the right of the Lock-frame, (as indicated by the oval hollow groove in the drawing,) when by drawing back the Hammer to the full-cock, the arm is in condition for a discharge by pulling the Trigger; a repetition of the same motion produces the like results, viz., six shots without reloading.

  This is for loose powder and ball rather than the cartridges.

   Mick Archer

[James Hunt]

Mick: Excellent information, that is the first time I have at least heard that a original manufacturer recommended firing caps on an empty cylinder before loading (I'm not a CW guy) - I thought Uberti made that up. Wonder if those guy's actually did that. Where did you see that at, I understand it came from the box - but did you see an original box or a photo?

Good post.

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  I have been "gleaning" images for some time from the WWW of the "cheaper version" of boxed/cased Colts (the wooden boxes with the instructions under the lids rather than the nicer "red velvet" type ones).

  However, it was a tedious chore as the images focus on the gun portion of the box, and usually I could see only a handful of words here and there, every once-in-a-while.  Or not.

   So, while piecing and going blind playing with Photo Shop, for just a few words or sentences at a time- I stumbled upon some historical printer who had copied the Colt broadside of January 1, 1858 which included the stuff found on the pistol boxes as well as prices, endorsements, and a page for the M1855 Revolving Rifle and M1855 Side Hammer Revolver.

  On the one hand it was something of a Rip Off- $7 plus $5 postage.  But, in the end, the countless hours it saved, and the pair of eyes it saved, migth balance the scales a wee bit..      

  Yup, I always thought that the "lore" for snapping caps came from the N-SSA....      

   Mick Archer

[James Hunt]

Mick: Good stuff, thanks. Jim

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Sehr intrasant.  Oops.

Very interesting.

[Mick Archer]

 Howdy  Pards!

  Genau!  Wery interestink.

  Mick Archer

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Ve haf vays of makink you read dis for-um.

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  I have relatives in the Old Country...   

  Mick Archer

['Monterrey' Jack Brass]

Mick A. - good stuff regarding the Colt instructions - the sort of tangible data that we need to see. Looking forward to more and I know that you'll produce as you always do. I like your style.

YMH&OS,

Monterrey J. B.

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  Thank 'e Monterrey Jack for the kind words.  I just try to share a little every now and again if I can...

   Yes, the factory ammunition- either the foil or the paper wrapped cartridges seem to be all conical bullets.
   However, the boxed/case sets seemed to favor including a mold that threw a conical or a round ball.  I have never seen a reason or explanation other than possibly the "roll your own" folks favored or wanted round balls.

   In my early "Civil War Daze," in college, we just assumed that "Cap and Ball" meant round ball...      

    Mick Archer

[Budd Wilson]

Hello!

This is somewhat related, but since we're discussing C&B revolvers, I came across these images:

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/longhunter46/papercartridges.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/longhunter46/papercartridges2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[RattlesnakeJack]

To add a somewhat "international" flavor to this thread, here's an image of a Militia General Order from early 1856 in Canada, regarding the issuance and marking of arms under the new Militia Act of 1855, which created a true "Active Militia" in Canada for the first time, since Great Britain was overstretched by the Crimean War and its other responsibilities and thus had shifted primary responsibility for their own defence to the self-governing Dominions of the Empire.

In 1855-56, Canada acquired 800 London-model Colt Navy revolvers for issue to its Troops of Militia Cavalry - note that over half of this Militia General Order deals specifically with loading and use of the "six-shooting Colt's pistol" to be issued to each Trooper - because it would have been a completely new innovation to just about everyone involved.  The wording suggests that much of it has been derived from Company instructions ...

(Click on thumbnail image to enlarge to full size ...)

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

   Speaking of international flavor... here is an endorsement of Colts...

    COLT'S REVOLVERS versus CARBINES FOR THE CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY.

To the Editor of Jackson's WOOLWICH (England) JOURNAL, & ARMY AND NAVY GAZETTE.

Sir,—Previous to my departure for the seat of war, I had read with much interest the various opinions expressed in your journal respecting the introduction and use of Colt's Revolvers. I was induced thereby to purchase one, and try it. I have had many opportunities of so doing, and feel in duty bound, as an act of common justice to you and the ingenious inventor,  Colt, to state as far as my experience and observation have served me, that what you have stated is—True.

1st.—The weapon is most formidable and efficient.
2nd.-The objection raised against the method of cocking, i. e., drawing back the hammer by the thumb, instead of by the pull at the trigger, as in some other weapons, I consider an advantage. The difference in the rapidity of fire by others is nothing—a skilful person can use Colt's quite as quickly ; and the great advantage you get of one shot more and sighting with Colt's, over the other method, is undeniable. The long, steady, strong
pull at the trigger, necessary to rotate the cylinder, throw back the hammer, and to produce the shot, depresses the muzzle and turns it out of' range.
3rd.--The method of loading Colt's arm by the aid of the lever ramrod, thus securing and sealing the charges, is very superior.
4th.—The nicety of poise and balance is admirable; the recoil in firing is very trifling —a most material point in ball practice.
5th.-In firing about 60 snap shots—quick shots—at thirty yards, many struck the bull's eye, while a large proportion were within a space of twelve inches square. I found pieces of the bullets rebounding back to the spot where I stood.
6th.-I am decidedly of opinion that Colt's Revolver might be substituted for a Carbine. for force of penetration and length of range it is nearly equal; and it can be easily cocked and shot with one hand—while the Carbine requires two.
7th.—Finally, I am prepared to back the opinion of the scientific inventor of the big guns, viz., C. W. Lancaster, who states in his evidence before the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Small Arms, 20th March,1854, that "COLONEL COLT'S PISTOL. IS THE BEST REPEATING ARM THAT WE HAVE."

I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, CONTINGENT..

   Mick Archer

[Mick Archer]

 Howdy Pards!

  And a second...

  "Fermoy Barracks, (Ireland,) January 24, 1854.

  SIR- Having lately obtained one of your revolvers, I have much pleasure in forwarding for your consideration, the result of the trials I have made. I find that force and precision of the fire exceed that of ordinary pistols of greater length and larger bore. The recoil is considerably less than usual, and a greater number of shots may be fired without fouling. The pistol is very easily and quickly loaded, with the lever ramrod, and when properly capped is water-proof as the following instance will show;—I loaded the chambers and capped them; place the entire pistol under water in a running stream, and left it there till I conceived that every part must be thoroughly soaked. I then took it out of the water, and, without any wiping or drying, fired the round. There was no hanging fire, or any other symptoms of the charge being wet.  I have since taken the lock to pieces (a very simple operation) and discovered no trace of injury from the water.   I can load and fire 'without hurry' at least ten shots to every three of a common pistol, and neither in the chambers nor barrel can I find any lead or foulness.  Ten minutes are sufficient at any time to wash and clean the pistol thoroughly after use.  Ever your obedient servant,

    H. Browne, Captain, 9th Regiment."

  Just a historical side-note, he is using Colt's foil cartridges not paper...  ;-)  :-)

  Mick Archer

[Dr. Bob]

Hi Mick,

Is the first article from the Crimean War too??

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  Yes, there is a series of mostly British "testimonials" used by Colt on their January 1, 1858 broadside.  While some are not dated, others fall in 1854 and 1857.

  Mick Archer