Caldwell Rival 78 Handcannon

CALDWELL RIVAL 78 HANDCANNON. (See also, SHOTGUN) After the conclusion of the production of the Caldwell Rival, the Caldwell Arms Company began to look into which elements of the Rival's design might be useful in future arms development. The 78 Handcannon appears to have been the result of experiments that company engineers were conducting with sawed-off shotguns. A significant number of sawed-off Caldwell Rivals, colloquially known as Caldwell Rival Handcannons, were discovered in the factory warehouses many years later, and inexplicably, in a barn near Jackson, Louisiana. Whatever the reason for its creation, the Caldwell Handcannon was, functionally, a mixed success: though powerful, the shot scatters upon firing, which reduces potential damage and accuracy, as well as range. Its main advantage is its size; it can be carried even when already weighed down with several other weapons, as it is, essentially, a pistol.

Correspondence, Philip Huff Jones
Typewritten, original

May 30, 1895
Honored Dr. Huff,

The conviction of your friendship, and your dedication to this cause, moves me. This shipment of Handcannons will be the last, as soon I will leave the home and employ of my father, and join our brethren, as you have so aptly named them, in this fight. I had hoped to convince my father of the cause, but his attention, as always, lies elsewhere. His single-minded purpose has brought him great success, but at what price? But I did not intend to write of personal matters.

I am sorry to hear of these recent developments and particularly of your loss. I hope your injury will not interfere with your work.

The malfunction of the cartridges troubles me deeply. Our own tests showed the initial designs for that ammunition to be stable. I can only assume that what I sent to you was in some way compromised by the journey. Perhaps by heat, perhaps cold, perhaps the movement of the coach over bumpy roads. I will not know until we have performed further tests, and I find no support among the engineers or from my father. Though tragic, the incident confirms what a dangerous weapon this could be, with further testing and precautions. I cannot believe there is no future for this weapon. I will continue to refine the design, as I think a weapon capable of spreading fire at a distance such as this would be of great help against the creatures you have described, and as your experience of four nights past has proved.

With the highest respect,
V.C.