Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition Civil War 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 example features the standard 6 1/2" barrel, and serial number 57045, which is found on the barrel, frame, cylinder arbor pin, trigger guard, and the bottom of the grip. The rear of the cylinder is marked but all we can make out is a size 7, and the barrel wedge is not marked. The revolver still has a good amount of the original cylinder engraving present, which originally consisted of five different scenes, one for each chamber. The cap nipples are all clear, however the original patent date marking is no longer visible.

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 gun was most likely produced at the very end of the war, or just after. Production slowed to a crawl 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 mainly made weapons for the civilian market, this drastically increased competition.

Top of the barrel still has a clear Series IV manufacturer engraving, indicating the move to Newark:

The revolver has a lovely patina of age and is in fully functional condition. The Walnut grips are solid, with a lovely color, with the original finish partly worn away. The metal finish has been worn to a lovely gray patina from years of use and cleaning. The trigger guard/grip frame is worn a bit, which has entire removed the original nickel plating from the brass, which is typical, even for well cared for revolvers. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. Functionally, the revolver cycles well, but can be a bit finicky at times due to wear on the cylinder stop, which causes it to slightly overshoot.

This is a very nice civil war percussion revolver, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1865-6
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

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”.

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