Mass. Arms Co. Adams Pocket Revolver – Two Digit Number and Non-Standard Barrel

Serial #10, .31 Caliber, 2" barrel with a very good bore that has some mild freckling within the grooves.  This is an interesting Beaumont-Adams type revolver that has matching numbers on the frame, cylinder, and backstrap ("10"), and has the Adams and Mass. Arms Co. markings on the topstrap.  The metal was never given the final polish, and never had any finish applied to it, indicating that the gun was either removed from the factory prior to the finish work, or was a preproduction model never intended for sale.  In addition, the sliding safety, while present, is non-functional, and the hammer was never given a single-action cocking notch.  A further distinction is the very short barrel, a full 1 1/4" shorter than the standard length, but still equipped with a hinged loading lever on the left side.  The metal has some areas of minor pitting scattered about the surface, and an overall dull, plum-brown patina with some areas of silvering at the muzzle and on the other high edges and surfaces.  The checkered wooden grip has some minor handling marks scattered about, as well as some flattening of the points.  This is a very unusual Mass Arms Adams Pocket, and has, as far as we can discern, the lowest number known in private hands.  It is a highly unusual piece and would make a great addition to any collection.  Antique