Merwin & Bray .42 Caliber Cupfire Revolver

Published on April 5, 2015
Duration: 6:16

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver, a unique 19th-century firearm. It covers removing the cylinder, identifying key internal components like the cylinder lock and hand, and reassembling the mechanism. The video emphasizes understanding the historical context of patent workarounds that led to the cupfire design.

Quick Summary

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver was ingeniously designed to circumvent the Rollin White patent, which restricted revolvers with bored-through cylinders. It used a unique 'cupfire' cartridge loaded from the front, with an internal primer struck by the hammer, avoiding patent infringement and showcasing 19th-century firearm innovation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 00:38The Cupfire Design Explained
  3. 01:51Physical Features & Operation
  4. 02:42Disassembly & Internal Mechanics
  5. 03:51Cylinder Details & Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary innovation behind the Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver's design?

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver's key innovation was its 'cupfire' cartridge and cylinder design, which allowed for front loading and avoided infringing on the Rollin White patent held by Smith & Wesson, a major hurdle for other manufacturers at the time.

How did the Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver work around the Rollin White patent?

Instead of drilling holes all the way through the cylinder, the Merwin & Bray utilized a cupfire cartridge with an internal primer in an inverted cup. This design allowed the hammer to strike the primer from the rear without needing a fully bored-through cylinder, thus bypassing the patent restrictions.

What are the key physical features of the Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver?

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver typically features a sheath trigger without a guard, a half-cock notch for safe loading/unloading, and an ejector rod. It was produced in approximately 20,000 units in .30 and .42 calibers.

Can the Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolver be converted to modern ammunition?

Yes, many Merwin & Bray Cupfire Revolvers were later converted to fire rimfire or centerfire cartridges by drilling out the rear of the cylinder. However, this modification often decreases their value to collectors.

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