The Joslyn Revolver

[Legion Para]

The Joslyn Revolver has almost been forgotten. Approximately 3000 were made and it received bad reviews from the troops.

"The 5th & 6th Ohio Volunteer cavalry used their Joslyn revolvers at the Battle of Shiloh (April 6-7, 1862), where the field reports were not positive. In fact, the report of Lt. Charles Murray of the 5th Ohio Cavalry, Company I read in part: "We are in possession of but 28 pistols (Joslyn) and they are long since condemned as wholly unfit for service. They are spurious a weapon, made out of cast iron, and one half of the time will neither cock nor revolve…." As a result, most of the US military purchased pistols were removed from active service by the end of 1862 or beginning of 1863 and were subsequently held in reserve at US arsenals until the end of the war."

This article was recently posted on the Internet and I thought other forum members would enjoy reading it.

http://pre1900.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-joslyn-revolver-one-of-more-rarely.html

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Even though there were some 3,000 made it is a difficult revolver to add to a collection today!
J.

 

[cwtalker15]

Even though there were some 3,000 made it is a difficult revolver to add to a collection today!
J.

Joslyn revolvers are hard to find; ones purchased by the US Navy are more difficult. Flayderman says only 100 were purchased by the Navy with serial #s ranging between 300 and 400. Mine is #355, and is marked USN on the butt. It has dark patina with no other markings. It functions perfectly.

 

[cwtalker15]

Sorry about the double pix!

 

[UCVRelics]

They are a rare breed but do come on the market from time to time but they are expensive.

 

[cwtalker15]

They are a rare breed but do come on the market from time to time but they are expensive.

Yes, they do come up on rare occasion. See a current Navy Joslyn revolver at http://www.gunbroker.com/item/633422043
Then look at the price.

 

[UCVRelics]

 

[Patrick H]

I've never seen one until now. I find the side-attached hammer very interesting. However, the report of its field performance sure doesn't sound very encouraging.

 

[William G Hendry]

!! WOW !!

 

[Specster]

Joslyn revolvers are hard to find; ones purchased by the US Navy are more difficult. Flayderman says only 100 were purchased by the Navy with serial #s ranging between 300 and 400. Mine is #355, and is marked USN on the butt. It has dark patina with no other markings. It functions perfectly.
View attachment 128685 View attachment 128686 View attachment 128687 View attachment 128685 View attachment 128686 View attachment 128687

Nice pics

 

[Specster]

It seems Ben F. Josyln had some near winners and novel ideas but he always seemed to be eclipesed by someone a little bit further down the road in terms of innovation, or with better political connections. I would have thought he would have been more famous for the "Trapdoor" Spingfield

 

[SavingRelics]

My first post on this site. Came across this page while doing more research on the Joslyn revolver I found a few years ago. Thought I would share.

 

[mofederal]

An interesting revolver, but I would have thought they would have actually tested the revolver before they purchased any. Of course this would not be the first time the Army bought something that did not function correctly.

 

[SavingRelics]

I'm not aware of how this make & model would get disassembled, whether the bolt at the rear by the hammer pulls all the way out so the cylinder can be removed or if the cylinder can be removed at all. Either way this frame was found as you see it with the cylinder missing. The frame is also slightly bent, so I have assumed that the gun exploded splitting the cylinder and bent the frame in the process. Dunno. What caliber was the Navy? I don't believe mine is a 44, looks more like a 36.

 

[JOHN42768]

My first post on this site. Came across this page while doing more research on the Joslyn revolver I found a few years ago. Thought I would share.

Welcome, enjoy

 

[Mark A]

The Joslyn Army Model revolver was only made in 44 caliber. The above mentioned Navy Joslyn was simply a Joslyn purchased by the US Navy and marked by Navy inspectors. The bad reputation it received was probably more due to the soldiers using it being more familiar with Colt's revolvers and having a personal preference for the Colt. Additionally the Joslyn had a five chambered cylinder versus the six chambers with the Colt.

There are four slightly different hammer designs that required two slightly different frame designs on the Joslyn and some early manufactured & late manufactured guns have a metal butt cap protecting the bottom of the grips otherwise there are no variations of this gun.

Seldom seen revolvers from the War Between the States.

Pettengill Army # 3096 (top)
Joslyn Army # 2975 (center)
Freeman Army # 191 (bottom)

 

[Cpl. Smith]

I wish i had one.