James Reid ‘My Friend’ Knuckle Duster Pocket Pistol, Silver Plated 1 ½” 7-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1880 Antique

Sold For: $1,119.00

LSB#: 170124DK01

Make: James Reid

Model: ‘My Friend’ Knuckle Duster

Serial Number: 12595

Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1880, with serial numbers from 3,500-17715, made from 1868 to 1882.

Caliber: .22 Rimfire, Black Powder

Action Type: 7-Shot, Single Action Revolver

Markings: The left of the frame’s top strap is marked “MY FRIEND PATD. DEC. 26, 1865”, the frame and side plate have tasteful scroll engraving with cross hatching on some of the negative spaces. The front of the frame at the grip has the serial number, the rear of the cylinder is marked “95”, seen again on the center pin.

Barrel Length: The cylinder chambers are technically the barrels as well, the front of the frame extends another 3/16” without rifling.

Sights / Optics: The top of the frame has a shallow “U” channel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol has an enclosed front strap with a rear arched strap, the back of which has checkering in the upper areas.

Type of Finish: Silver Plated

Finish Originality: Factory

Bore Condition: The cylinder chambers have a few spots of mild erosion and are mid gray.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 73% of its metal finish. The cylinder only has a small amount of plating on the rear and forward edges, the exposed metal has a few spots of pitting and brown patina is regular. The frame has scatterd scuff and compression marks, rubbing through the plating exposes areas of the brass frame, which has a nice natural patina. The hammer has some flame coloring visible, the top of the hammer’s checkering is worn and compressed. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are somewhat faded on the frame, all are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The cylinder needs to be wiggled into position to allow the hammer to advance its mechanics. The cylinder does not completely lock up and can be turned by hand, we believe the pawl is to fault. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: From http://www.guns.com/2013/04/04/say-hell-to-my-little-friend-the-knuckleduster-ring-gun-of-the-catskills/ “Reid was no stranger to firearms. Immigrating to the states in 1857 at age 30, he worked mainly on small revolver designs. During the Civil War, he helped design and build guns for W.W. Marston and W. Irving Co. in New York City before striking out to the hills to form his own shop in Catskill. It was there on the day after Christmas in 1865 that he was granted a patent on his new device, he referred to in writing as ‘My Friend’.” Indeed, this would be a friendly carry for concealment and devastating effect. The frame doubles as a ring in which you could have knocked out a fellow poker player if insults were abound, it has a LOT of character, with a good amount of silver plating left. Everyone that walked by during the write up had to stop and take a gander. It will be a great addition to your collection without taking up too much room.

James Reid ‘My Friend’ Knuckle Duster Pocket Pistol, Silver Plated 1 ½” 7-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1880 Antique
James Reid ‘My Friend’ Knuckle Duster Pocket Pistol, Silver Plated 1 ½” 7-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1880 Antique