18th Century Self-Rotating Flintlock Revolver with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 19, 2025
Duration: 11:35

Expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at a rare c. 1700 self-rotating flintlock revolver. The demonstration highlights its automatic cylinder indexing mechanism, eight-shot capacity with pre-primed pans, and its surprising mechanical similarities to later Colt designs. Ferguson also places the firearm within its historical context, discussing predecessors and the maker, Thomas Annely.

Quick Summary

Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains a rare c. 1700 self-rotating flintlock revolver, highlighting its automatic cylinder indexing mechanism, eight-shot capacity, and pre-primed pans. The design shares surprising mechanical similarities with later Colt revolvers, showcasing early innovation in repeating firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Flintlock Revolver
  2. 01:04Self-Rotating Mechanism Demonstration
  3. 02:19Capacity and Loading Details
  4. 03:37Technical Comparison to Colt
  5. 04:34Historical Context and Predecessors
  6. 07:35The Maker: Thomas Annely
  7. 08:50Design and Surviving Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 18th-century Annely Flintlock Revolver unique?

This revolver is notable for its self-rotating cylinder mechanism, which automatically indexes to the next chamber when the hammer is cocked. It features an eight-shot capacity and predates many later revolving firearm designs, showing early innovation in firearm mechanics.

How does the self-rotating mechanism of the Annely revolver work?

The mechanism uses angled slots on the rear of the cylinder and a pivoting lever (hand or pawl) connected to the cock. As the hammer is drawn back, this lever engages the slots, causing the cylinder to rotate counter-clockwise to the next chamber.

Who was Thomas Annely, the maker of this flintlock revolver?

Thomas Annely was a gunmaker from Bristol, England. Based on the firearm's estimated date, it is likely the work of Thomas Annely the Elder, potentially dating to the 1730s, representing significant craftsmanship for the era.

What is the historical significance of this Annely Flintlock Revolver?

Its significance lies in demonstrating the early development of self-rotating cylinder technology, predating more famous designs like Colt's. It shows that the concept of a repeating firearm with an automatically indexing cylinder was explored and implemented centuries ago.

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