Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic late Civil War Era Percussion revolver, straight out of the attic, a total "sleeper"! It has a fantastic patina of age, and has only been given a bit of a wipe down, leaving the lovely matured look intact. Even better, the back strap of the grip has been personalized with the name of the soldier who carried it! It reads W. H. Thayer, 17th Reg't N.H.V., which could possibly indicate the 17th Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. There is definitely some fantastic research potential in this revolver, which is totally unresearched and fresh to the market!

This Civil War era revolver was 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 61694, which is found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and the bottom of the grip. The barrel wedge, rear of the cylinder, and left side of the cylinder arbor pin are marked with shortened number 1694, which makes this a fantastic "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

However, the revolver still has about 75% of the original cylinder engraving present! It consists of five different scenes, one for each chamber, which are all still mostly present. Also, the PATENTED DEC. 27. 1859 marking is still crisp, something we rarely see! The cap nipples only show minor wear, though most are clogged with dirt and powder fouling.

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 fully intact Series IV manufacturer engraving, indicating the move to Newark:

The revolver has a lovely patina of age and is in fully functional condition. The revolver cycles well, with a firm cylinder lockup and correct indexing. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we can see on revolvers of this age. The Walnut grips are solid, with a lovely color, with the original finish very well preserved. The left side of the grip has had some notches added, possibly a "tally", or just damage from service. There is also some denting and chipping on the bottom of the grip.

The metal finish has been worn to a dark gray patina from years of storage. The trigger guard/grip frame is worn a bit, however still retains areas of the original nickel plating, something we almost never see. The bore is in very good original condition, showing strong lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is just some scattered oxidation and fouling, and not any signs of major use. Definitely a great bore for a Civil War era percussion revolver.

This is a great named U.S. Civil War Era percussion revolver with a great cylinder scene, ready to add to your collection! We rarely get revolvers with such great display and research potential!

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”.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.