Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice Civil War era revolver made by the MANHATTAN FIREARMS COMPANY of NEWARK, N.J. The company was originally founded in 1856, mainly to make Colt-style revolvers once their patent ran out in 1857. This revolver looks just like a Colt Navy but it has a five shot cylinder, instead of the Colt's six.

This very nice example features the standard 6½" barrel and mostly matching serial number 57045, which is found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder axis rod, and the bottom of the grip. The loading lever is marked 5234, and the cylinder has number 807 on it, so these may have been replaced at some point. There is also a good portion of the original cylinder engraving present. 

Top of the barrel still has a clear manufacturer engraving:

The revolver not only looks good but it is in fully functional condition. The Walnut grips are solid, with only a bit of chipping at the edges, and a lovely color. The cap nipples on the cylinder are all clear, and appear to be mostly original. Overall the revolver has a great patina of age.  The barrel is nice, with clear lands and grooves, though there is some corrosion present in areas.

From internet research, we know that the Series IV revolvers have serial numbers from around 45,200 to 69,200, and were manufactured from April 1864 to June 1867. This most likely puts this revolver at the tail end of the war. Production slowed after the war, as the other firearms manufacturers no longer had military contracts, and focused more on the civilian market. As the Manhattan Fire Arms Co made weapons for the civilian market, this drastically increased competition.

In good condition for 150 years of age and ready to display.

History of Manhattan Firearms:

The Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. was founded by a group of New Jersey businessmen in 1856. Their goal was to take advantage of Colt’s patent for revolving firearms that was due to expire in 1857. The founders hired Thomas Bacon to became the Superintendent of Manufacturing.

Manufacturing began in Norwich, Connecticut and in 1859 moved to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Bacon remained in Norwich and started his own firearms company. During their existence, Manhattan Firearms produced approximately 175,000 pistols. Only Colt, Remington, and Winchester produced more guns during this era in which included the Civil War.

While waiting for Colt’s patent to expire, Manhattan first made copies of American firearms that no longer had patent protection. These included pepperboxes and various single-shot designs. Shortly thereafter, they turned their attention to making Colt-style revolvers in both the .31 caliber Pocket and .36 caliber Navy styles. Manhattan patented an extra set of cylinder safety notches on these models. Manhattans can be easily identified by the many notches on their cylinders.

After the Civil War, Manhattan production primarily consisted of a copy of the Smith & Wesson .22 caliber cartridge revolver and a single-shot boot pistol under the name "HERO". Manhattan changed it's name in 1868 to American Standard Tool Company and began to market industrial tools as well as firearms. American Standard Tool closed during the financial panic of 1873.

Manhattan Firearms also manufactured guns under the trade names “Hero”, “London Pistol Company”, and “American Standard Tool”.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1865
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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