Original U.S. Civil War Era Manhattan Firearms Deluxe Edition .22 Rimfire Tip-Up Revolver - Serial 5616
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Deluxe edition is a bit of an over statement, however this was about as good as their material got. Established in 1859 production started in Norwich, Connecticut. During the Civil War they produced over 150,000 Revolvers running second only to COLT and REMINGTON. During the final years of the war and afterwards they manufactured a "copy" of the Smith & Wesson .22 and .32 Model 1 1/2 Revolver.
This very nice example features a 3 1/8" barrel and matching serial number 5616, which is found on the barrel, cylinder, and frame under the grips. Top of the barrel still has a clear manufacturer engraving:
MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS MF'G. CO. NEW YORK
The bottom of the barrel has the patent markings.
PATENTED DEC. 27 1859
This example has barrel and cylinder all engraved and then nickel plated with most of the plate still intact. It has a brass plain frame with a "spur" trigger and flat bottom grips made of a very fine "Burl" Walnut. This has a tip up barrel revealing a SEVEN shot .22 caliber cylinder. There is a central protrusion under the barrel that serves to knock out any stubborn empty cartridge shells. The bore shows lands and grooves but is somewhat worn and oxidized. The revolver does function, but the cylinder lock does need adjustment, and the barrel/frame lockup has some play. It is also a bit finicky, as expected of a revolver of this age.
In nice condition, no doubt a fine lady's revolver, 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: c.1864-1868
Caliber: .22 Cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver
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This product is not available for shipping in US state(s)
New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
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