I have been researching the Devon gunmaking business of Harvey. They were based at Exeter c1797-1873, and for a period (c1836-1849) had an additional premises in Plymouth.
 
The Exeter Flying Post of 17 September 1857 reported the following:
"FIREARMS. � A great improvement in revolving fire-arms, patented by Mr. Harvey, gunmaker, Exeter, and his breech loading weapons has been tried by the Government authorities at Enfield. The shooting at three hundred yards with a small revolving carbine was most satisfactory. These weapons are on view at Messrs. Adams�, in the Haymarket, and are far superior to any others in use, and are admirably adapted for service, being very light, and the Enfield bullet fitting them exactly."
 
Has anyone seen such a carbine? I am keen to see details of this, or for that matter other firearms by Harvey (John, or his sons John and William).
 
Is there any hope of finding any documentation on the trials conducted at Enfield? Would such information be at the Public Record Office?
 
Thanks,
 
David