Ten Shot Walch Revolver...

[Private Watkins]

Clever idea, but fell short on practicality in real world use...

Walch Pocket Model: .31 caliber 10 shot cylinder with 5 chambers, each taking a double load; total of ten nipples (five in each of two concentric circles at breech). The mechanism was designed to allow for one hammer to fall first (the right one, to fire the foremost charge), followed by the left, firing the rear charge. (Flayderman)

 

[Private Watkins]

Some of the Walch pocket models were privately purchased and carried in the Civil War by Union officers and soldiers. One entire outfit, Company I of the 9th Michigan Infantry, armed themselves with the gun, where it received favorable comment. Not all field reports were so laudable. (Flayderman)

I wonder if this fellow was with the 9th Michigan...? This is the only image I've ever seen of a soldier with a Walch... if any one else knows of another I would love to see it.

 

[Private Watkins]

And here's a good article on the Walch...
http://rockislandauction.blogspot.com/2014/10/fantastic-flops-walch-revolvers.html

 

[hrobalabama]

There were only 3,000 of these pocket pistols produced. They were made by the New Haven Arms Co. along with the Henry rifle. There were both iron frame and brass frame models made. The current value for either one is good condition is $1,000. (Fladerman) Not much value for a unique and historical design.

 

[Private Watkins]

There were only 3,000 of these pocket pistols produced. They were made by the New Haven Arms Co. along with the Henry rifle. There were both iron frame and brass frame models made. The current value for either one is good condition is $1,000. (Fladerman) Not much value for a unique and historical design.

I suspect the values listed in Flayderman's are a bit out-dated... the two that sold at Rock Island last September went for quite a bit more, one in the 5 figures.

 

[Patrick H]

That's an interesting design. I've never seen one previously.

 

[Private Watkins]

Here are a few pics of an iron (instead of brass) model...

 

[Private Watkins]

And a bullet mold for the Walch .31 pocket model...

 

[Private Watkins]

Walch also made a 12 shot .36 cal navy revolver... same double-stack concept...

 

[unionblue]

Simply amazing what are supposedly 'backwards' ancestors could come up with!

Thanks for posting this.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[Private Watkins]

And finally, to complete the story, I can't forget the "Lindsay Double Musket," which takes the same concept of a double-stacked charge and applies to the long-arm; one barrel, but two hammers for two stacked charges. Lindsay was at one point a partner with Walch, I believe. The Lindsay Double Musket saw some Civil War use, again with Michigan units, and again with less than laudatory field reports.

Photos are courtesy of College Hill Arsenal (Tim is one of the best out there in my humble opinion at photographing, researching, and telling the story of so many unique arms).
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https://www.collegehillarsenal.com/shop/product.php?productid=1430

 

[hrobalabama]

There were two models of the Lindsay Two-Shot pistol. A pocket model and a Martial model.
Strangely, both the Lndsay models have a greater value than the Walsh. The Lindsays were mfg by the Union Knife Co.
The Walsh was mfg along with the Henry Rifle at the New Haven Arms Co which became Winchester.
Seems as if that association would up the value of the Walsh.

 

[Private Watkins]

There were two models of the Lindsay Two-Shot pistol. A pocket model and a Martial model.
Strangely, both the Lndsay models have a greater value than the Walsh. The Lindsays were mfg by the Union Knife Co.
The Walsh was mfg along with the Henry Rifle at the New Haven Arms Co which became Winchester.
Seems as if that association would up the value of the Walsh.

Interesting... good stuff, thanks!

 

[Private Watkins]

There were two models of the Lindsay Two-Shot pistol. A pocket model and a Martial model.
Strangely, both the Lndsay models have a greater value than the Walsh. The Lindsays were mfg by the Union Knife Co.
The Walsh was mfg along with the Henry Rifle at the New Haven Arms Co which became Winchester.
Seems as if that association would up the value of the Walsh.

Lindsay two shot pocket model:
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[Private Watkins]

There were two models of the Lindsay Two-Shot pistol. A pocket model and a Martial model.
Strangely, both the Lndsay models have a greater value than the Walsh. The Lindsays were mfg by the Union Knife Co.
The Walsh was mfg along with the Henry Rifle at the New Haven Arms Co which became Winchester.
Seems as if that association would up the value of the Walsh.

And the Lindsay Martial Model:
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[Private Watkins]

Personally the Walch revolver appeals more to me, much more complicated mechanics and "Yankee Ingenuity" involved...

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Tim Prince was mentioned earlier. I would like to say that his website is extremely educational, and I have found him to be a real gentleman to deal with.
J.

 

[Private Watkins]

Tim Prince was mentioned earlier. I would like to say that his website is extremely educational, and I have found him to be a real gentleman to deal with.
J.

I would heartily agree!!

 

[hrobalabama]

Tim Prince was mentioned earlier. I would like to say that his website is extremely educational, and I have found him to be a real gentleman to deal with.
J.

He is one of the most knowledgeable young men today in the antique arms trade.

 

[Private Watkins]

He is one of the most knowledgeable young men today in the antique arms trade.

Little bit off topic here, but if you have the chance to pick up the book The English Connection, (Pritchard and Huey, with Tim Prince), I would highly recommend it. It has an unbelievable amount of information, and is very well done (worth the price).