Rollin White's Own Revolver Production

Published on February 12, 2018
Duration: 10:42

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Rollin White Arms Co. Revolver, focusing on its historical significance and mechanical details. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the revolver's unique features, including its solid frame, sheath trigger, and the crucial Rollin White patent for bored-through cylinders. The guide covers basic disassembly for cylinder removal and offers insights into the internal workings, highlighting its construction for Smith & Wesson.

Quick Summary

The Rollin White Arms Co. Revolver is historically significant for its use of Rollin White's patent for a bored-through cylinder, a key innovation for metallic cartridge revolvers. Manufactured for Smith & Wesson, this .22 Rimfire, single-action solid-frame revolver features a 7-shot capacity and a sheath trigger, utilizing black powder, copper-cased ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Context
  2. 00:21Rollin White Patent Significance
  3. 00:48Patent History & Colt Rejection
  4. 01:23Smith & Wesson Acquisition
  5. 01:53White's Patent Agreement
  6. 02:30Patent Lawsuits & Outcomes
  7. 03:42Rollin White Arms Company Formation
  8. 04:16Company Name Change
  9. 04:49Revolver Features & Distinction
  10. 05:26Technical Details & Ammunition
  11. 06:04.22 Rimfire Power
  12. 06:34Disassembly & Internals
  13. 07:49Barrel Markings & Production Numbers
  14. 08:42Post-Civil War Market
  15. 09:08Company Dissolution & White's Legacy
  16. 09:40Conclusion & Auction Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Rollin White patent?

Rollin White's key patent involved drilling the cylinder completely through, which was essential for the development and widespread adoption of modern metallic cartridge revolvers, allowing for easier and faster reloading.

Why did Smith & Wesson license Rollin White's patent?

Smith & Wesson needed a patent for a bored-through cylinder for their .22 rimfire revolvers. They discovered Rollin White already held the patent and secured an exclusive license from him to utilize this crucial technology.

What were the technical specifications of the Rollin White Arms Co. Revolver?

The Rollin White Arms Co. Revolver is a single-action, solid-frame .22 Rimfire firearm with a 7-shot capacity. It features a sheath trigger (no trigger guard) and was designed to use black powder, copper-cased ammunition.

How many Rollin White Arms Co. Revolvers were produced?

A total of 11,853 units of the Rollin White Arms Co. Revolver were manufactured. The initial production runs, approximately 4,300 units, were marked by the Rollin White Arms Company before its name change.

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