September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Lot #1285:
(A) BENJAMIN COGSWELL RETAILED TRANTER PATENT DOUBLE ACTION PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH CASE.
Benjamin Cogswell operated his shop on 24 Strand Street, London and is so stamped on top of frame along with his trade label inside the case lid. This is a 4th model with Tranter "T" serial number suffix. J.E.B. Stuart was known to have carried a 4th Model, and that there is documented Confederate use of Tranter revolvers as low as the three thousands. This is pre-Civil War production. It features high polish English blue finish with case color cylinder. Other features include the small dovetailed bead front sight and one piece checkered walnut grips with metal pommel. The "Tranter's Patent" stamp is on the left side of frame and the loading lever. The Cogswell dealer legend is on frame. The frame and cylinder have numerous British inspection stamps. The serial number is stamped on the right side of frame. The green lined period English oak case features the Goswell trade label and houses a Tranter stamped brass two cavity bullet mold, a Dixon brass powder flask, a wood handle turn screw, and two large cap tins, one of which is stamped "Eley Bro London". On the inside lid lip is written in pencil "J. H. TANNER AUG 7, 1858 D7 ROBERY PLACE" along with "8/63" and "V. R. T. / U U A (indistinct)". CONDITION: Fine. Gun appears to have seen little use. Revolver retains at least 90% of its bright English blue with some flaking on right side of frame along with sundry handling marks. The cylinder colors have faded but shows no real signs of any face powder burn. Trigger guard has faded with flashes of protected blue. Grips are sharp and excellent. Mechanically sound with a bright bore. All legends are sharp. This is an extremely nice holster pistol with a great case and accessories. Some more research might turn up information on Tannner.
Item Dimensions: 15" x 8" x 3"