Kerr Revolvers: An English Source for Confederate Arms

Published on October 15, 2017
Duration: 13:21

This guide details the basic disassembly of the Kerr Revolver for cleaning and maintenance, focusing on its unique design elements that protect the action from black powder fouling. The video, presented by Ian McCollum, highlights the historical significance of the Kerr Revolver as a key firearm supplied to the Confederate States of America by the London Armoury Company. McCollum's high authority level is evident through his detailed mechanical explanations and historical context.

Quick Summary

The Kerr Revolver, a key English firearm for the Confederacy, was manufactured by the London Armoury Company. Its design featured an isolated lock mechanism and cylinder shield to combat black powder fouling, and it was typically chambered in .44 caliber (54 bore). Confederate agent Caleb Huse procured around 9,000 of these reliable single-action revolvers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Kerr Revolvers
  2. 00:54London Armoury Company History
  3. 01:41Confederate Procurement
  4. 02:37Design Origins
  5. 03:43Caliber and Capacity
  6. 04:29Mechanical Operation
  7. 05:35Cylinder Removal
  8. 06:28Fouling Protection
  9. 09:06Markings and Serial Numbers
  10. 10:25Assembly Numbers
  11. 11:14Confederate Provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Kerr Revolver for the Confederacy?

The Kerr Revolver, manufactured by the London Armoury Company in England, was a crucial firearm for the Confederacy during the American Civil War, with approximately 9,000 units procured to arm their forces.

How did the Kerr Revolver differ mechanically from other revolvers of its time?

The Kerr Revolver featured an isolated lock mechanism and a shield at the front of the cylinder to protect against black powder fouling. It also used a simpler rear-mounted axis pin for cylinder removal, enhancing ease of maintenance.

What caliber were the Confederate contract Kerr Revolvers?

Confederate contracts primarily specified the .44 caliber Kerr Revolver, which was referred to as '54 bore' in British terminology. While .36 caliber versions existed, they were not the focus of these large-scale procurements.

Who was responsible for procuring Kerr Revolvers for the Confederacy?

Confederate agent Caleb Huse played a significant role in arranging the purchase of arms from the London Armoury Company, including a substantial number of Kerr revolvers and Enfield rifles for the Confederate States of America.

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