The mid-19th century produced some of the most mechanically inventive long arms ever made, and collectors and tactical historians alike value examples that blur the line between utility and engineering curiosity. The following review examines one such rare piece with an eye for original construction, ballistic context, and practical considerations for acquisition.

U.S. MILITARY & COMMERCIAL LONG ARMS MFG’S GRIMM PROTOTYPE REVOLVING RIFLE

Shop this product and inspect provenance details on the retail page; this example is listed at $5950.99 and is described as made circa 1854 with a 44 caliber bore and a 26″ barrel.

Design and historical context

The U.S. MILITARY & COMMERCIAL LONG ARMS MFG’S GRIMM PROTOTYPE REVOLVING RIFLE is an overbuilt revolving rifle from around 1854. Its 26″ barrel and 44 caliber designation place it in the period when revolving mechanisms were being adapted to longer-barreled platforms to increase range potential. The piece appears to have been finished in the white, a detail that suggests minimal surface treatments and highlights the original metalwork. Wood is described as very good, and a brass butt plate remains intact — both important markers of condition for collectors and restorers.

Why the 44 caliber matters

In a mid-1800s context, a 44 caliber projectile offered a balance of mass and manageable recoil for a long arm of this type. For collectors and historians, the caliber speaks to intended use: increased stopping power over typical pistol calibers, with the 26″ barrel improving velocity and accuracy relative to handgun-length counterparts. From a tactical perspective today, the platform is best thought of as a historical demonstration of engineering rather than a modern defensive choice.

Collector and curator considerations

At $5950.99, this revolving rifle sits in a specialty market where provenance, originality, and condition drive value. The seller notes multiple gunsmiths named Grimm in period records but no definitive maker match — that ambiguity is part of its historical intrigue. The white finish and preserved wood with brass butt plate add to its collectible appeal. Prospective buyers should plan for professional conservation rather than field use.

View product details and pricing

If you’re pursuing a historically significant revolving rifle with tangible mid-19th century character, the U.S. MILITARY & COMMERCIAL LONG ARMS MFG’S GRIMM PROTOTYPE REVOLVING RIFLE warrants close inspection. Check current availability and purchase options on the product page; clicking the links will take you to our shop where you can complete the acquisition through the retailer.

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