Original U.S. Civil War Era Merwin & Bray Cupfire Brass Frame Revolver Converted to .44 - c.1870
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Starting life between 1863 and 1873 this was manufactured as a CUP-FIRE Revolver. MERWIN & BRAY, run by Ellis & White developed this CUP FIRE System to get around the Smith & Wesson Patent of a drilled through cylinder allowing loading from the rear. This CUP FIRE system required loading from the front of the cylinder, in reverse so to speak. The rear of the cylinder only had a small hole to allow the firing pin to protrude onto the rear of the Cup Fire Cartridge. Initially the largest caliber was .42".
Our example, although of the early production, has been converted after 1873 to being .44 Caliber, requiring the cylinder to be removed for loading by removing the central axis pin to access the cylinder. Our modified /converted Revolver was then able to shoot regular .44 Caliber cartridges, prolonging its active life during the OLD WEST.
Modification marks still apparent and the cylinder revolving Hand Spring in need of attention. Octagonal 6" barrel, all brass frame with serial number 3559 on the bottom of the grip. Barrel side marked :-
MERWIN & BRAY, NEW YORK
and on the top of the barrel:-
PLANT'S MFG. CO. NEW HAVEN
There are also traces of the original patent marks on the side of the cylinder, and the front of the frame shows a few traces of the original nickel plating. The revolver functions well, but definitely is finicky, and sold for display purposes only.
A rare revolver seldom seen today which was later updated in the old West. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-1873
Caliber: 44
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 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 posses, 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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