Canadian NWMP-Issued Adams Mk. III Large Frame Revolver (Model of 1872)

Serial #7728, .450 Adams, 6" octagon barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some very mild freckling within the grooves.  This is one of 326 revolvers accepted into service just after the formation of the North West Mounted Police in order to replace their initial unsatisfactory shipment of .450 caliber Mk. I Beaumont-Adams conversion revolvers.  The metal retains traces of the original bright blue finish, mostly on the underside of the barrel and on a few of the protected areas, with the balance of the metal having turned to a mottled gray parina with some scattered areas of pinprick pitting and surface oxidation.  The Adams, British "WD / III," and Mounted Police "C / MP" markings are still crisp and clear.  The checkered one-piece walnut grip is in good-very good shape with mild flattening of the points, as well as minor handling marks and small surface blemishes throughout.  The mechanism functions flawlessly in both single and double-action.  This is a fine example of the first effective revolver issued to the troopers of the North West Mounted Police and would make a great addition to any collection.  Ref: "Arms and Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873 – 1973" by Phillips and Klancher; 1982, and available through this website in hard or softcover as Items ACP-23 and ACP-24.  Antique