Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver

Published on April 12, 2015
Duration: 8:09

This review delves into the Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver, highlighting its historical context within 19th-century patent disputes, particularly the Rollin White patent. The video details the unique lipfire cartridge and the innovative rack and pinion ejection system. It also touches upon the revolver's mechanical operation and its eventual conversion to standard rimfire ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Revolver utilized a unique lipfire cartridge and an advanced rack and pinion ejection system. Its development was influenced by the Rollin White patent, forcing manufacturers to innovate around existing intellectual property.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context & Patent Law
  2. 01:33Allen & Wheelock Company Background
  3. 01:54The Lipfire Cartridge Explained
  4. 03:41Mechanical Operation & Loading Gate
  5. 05:09Rimfire Conversions
  6. 06:05Rack and Pinion Ejection System
  7. 07:05Provenance and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Rollin White patent for revolvers?

The Rollin White patent granted Smith & Wesson exclusive rights to bored-through cylinders, a key feature for cartridge revolvers. This forced competitors like Allen & Wheelock to develop alternative designs or face patent infringement lawsuits.

How did the Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Revolver's ejection system work?

It featured a sophisticated rack and pinion system. The trigger guard acted as a lever, engaging gear teeth on the ejector rod to push out spent cartridges, a complex mechanism for its time.

What is a lipfire cartridge?

A lipfire cartridge is a type of rimfire ammunition where the priming compound is located in a small 'lip' or projection on the rim. This design required specific indents in the revolver's cylinder to seat properly.

Were Allen & Wheelock Lipfire revolvers commonly converted to standard rimfire?

Yes, many Lipfire revolvers were later milled at the chamber mouths to accept standard rimfire cartridges. This was a common modification due to the scarcity of original lipfire ammunition after its production ceased.

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