Original Item. Only One Available. This is a solid mechanically sound but well used example of the Savage Navy Model, a six shot .36 caliber revolver, which was made from 1861 until 1862 with a total production of only 20,000 guns. This unique military revolver was one of the few handguns that was produced only for Civil War use. Its design was based on the antebellum Savage-North "figure eight" revolver. The Savage Navy had a unique way of cocking the hammer. The shooter used his middle finger to draw back the "figure 8" lever and then released it forward to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder.

It bears the serial number 1114, which is marked on the bottom of the barrel, on the right side of the interior frame under the grips, and on the back of the cylinder under the removable ratchet. The grips look to be original, but the serial number markings are no longer visible. The revolver looks to have seen long use during the war, with the exterior worn to a matte steel patina from oxidation and cleaning to remove past peppering. It also is missing the loading lever and rammer, and the catch for it at the front of the barrel was removed as well. This definitely looks to have happened during the period, possibly when the rammer or base was damaged.

The upper frame stamping is still fully legible-

SAVAGE R.F.A CO MIDDLETOWN. CT
H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856
JANUARY 19 1859 MAY 15 1860

The revolver definitely has a great patina of age. It is partially functional, still able to cock and dry fire, however the cylinder advance does not work well, probably due to wear. It needs some help to advance, and it seems like the hand does not really engage the ratchet well. We can hear some movement under the grips, when this happens, so most likely a piece is moving out of place due to wear. We checked the bore, and it is still mostly bright, however definitely worn, with the original rifling just a "ghost" on the inside surface.

These are always hard to find in any condition, now is your chance! Ready to add to your civil war collection and display!

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1861
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the Savage 1861 Model .36 Cal-

The Union purchased just fewer than 12,000 of these initially at $19.00 apiece for use by its cavalry units. Savage Navy revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Wisconsin U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiments, and 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry while the State of Missouri issued 292 Savage revolvers to its Missouri Enrolled Militia units.

The remaining revolvers were purchased by private means and shipped to the Confederacy for use with the 34th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (Witcher's Nighthawks), the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Rebels), 11th Texas Cavalry, 7th Virginia Cavalry (Ashby's Cavalry), and 7th Missouri Cavalry. The United States Navy also made a small purchase of 800 Savages during 1861 for use on its ships.

The Savage-North revolver is a direct descendant of the Savage & North Figure 8 Model Revolver and the Alsop revolver sharing many similarities with both arms. Alsop was also located in Middletown, CT. and three members of the Alsop family served on the Savage Revolving Firearms Company board of directors. Therefore, the relationship between the two companies and the two weapons was more than coincidental.

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.