POTD: Tranter Double Trigger – English Self-Cocker in a Mahogany Case

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a cased engraved Tranter double trigger self-cocking percussion revolver featuring English scroll engraving with lined borders. William Tranter’s distinctive double trigger system allowed either single-action or self-cocking double-action fire from a mid-19th century percussion revolver.

The lower trigger cocks the spurless hammer, and the upper trigger releases it. This gave shooters a choice – use both triggers for deliberate aimed fire, or pull through both triggers for rapid double-action fire. The system was mechanically innovative for the percussion era when most revolvers were single-action only.

The revolver is marked “W.TRANTER’S/PATENT” on the left loading lever arm and cocking trigger, with London proof marks and serial number “No. 10784,T” on the right frame. The checkered walnut grip has a casehardened cap.

The fitted mahogany case contains complete accessories: tin of lubricating composition, lubricating bullets, Eley cap tin, screwdriver, nipple wrench, powder flask, Tranter double bullet mold, cleaning rod, and James Dixon & Sons oiler. These cased sets were marketed to gentlemen who wanted quality firearms with all necessary accessories.

Tranter revolvers competed against Adams and other British makers during the mid-19th century. The double trigger system found favor with British officers and civilians who appreciated the option of fast double-action fire without sacrificing single-action accuracy. The .38 caliber was adequate for personal defense while remaining manageable in recoil.

Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!

“Cased Engraved Tranter Double Trigger Self-Cocking Revolver.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/3272/cased-engraved-tranter-double-trigger-selfcocking-revolver. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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