MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6252 Locke Device Revolvers
MCI Staff: Ron H. Cunningham
A series of eleven sequenced radiographs were taken of a post Civil War Colt .44 Cal. Revolver,
ranging from 90 – 140 kV. The original request called for the imaging of four revolvers, two of
which were prototypes containing a “Lock Device” or safety system tested by the U.S. War
Department in the 1870’s. The revolver’s large cylinder and handgrip prevented good contact
with the image plate, resulting in loss of detail. Some good details were obtained by removing
the cylinder prior to radiography, however the safety system could not be imaged under existing
conditions. If possible, removal of both handgrips and the cylinder may serve to improve image
quality.
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