Most of the My Friend knuckleduster wheelguns produced by James Reid were pepperboxes of various sizes and calibers. However, there is a very rare version of this 19th-century concealed carry gat that was fitted with a 3-inch barrel, which makes it a revolver. This particular My Friend knuckleduster revolver is consigned to the upcoming May 2023 Rock Island Premier Firearms Auction. It is chambered in 32 Rimfire and because it has a barrel, its cylinder is shorter compared to the 32 caliber pepperbox My Friends.

Here is Rock Island Auction’s description of the lot.

Manufactured in 1877, this is one of only approximately 100 Model No. 2 knuckle duster revolvers manufactured by James Reid. These were a slightly updated version, with an added barrel, of the distinctive revolver that has made James Reid famous. The top of the barrel is unmarked but the bottom under the cylinder pin is numbered “24” to match the gun. The left side of the top strap is marked “MY FRIEND PATD.DEC.26.1865.” The frame has flourishes of factory engraved floral scroll. The full serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame and the last two digits, “24”, are on the bottom of the barrel and rear face of the cylinder. 

May 2023 Rock Island Premier Firearms Auction will take place from May 19 to May 21, 2023. The estimated price of this 3″ barreled My Friend knuckleduster revolver is $2,500 – $3,750. To browse the catalog of the May 2023 Rock Island Premier Firearms Auction, click HERE.