Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting 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 lovely patinated example features a short 4" barrel and mostly matching serial number 39106, which is found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder arbor pin, and the bottom of the grip. The rear of the cylinder is worn, so we cannot see any of the numbers, and the barrel wedge is an unmarked arsenal replacement. We also noted that the grip frame has a faded serial number which is definitely not matching, and that it is made of iron or steel, not the correct brass. It looks like the revolver was modified to take a different larger rear grip from a Colt Single Action Army or something similar. We do not know if this was because the original grip was broken, or simply too small. Definitely an interesting period modification!

The revolver has some amount of the original cylinder engraving present, which consists of five different scenes, one for each chamber, though the design is worn and oxidized. The cap nipple cones are all clear, though worn and oxidized, and there is even the original PATENTED DEC.27.1859 marking by the rear is fully visible!

From internet research, we know that the Series III revolvers have serial numbers from around 14,500 to 45,200, and were manufactured from September 1861 to April 1864. This makes this a definitely Civil War produced gun, probably made in mid 1863. 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 mainly made weapons for the civilian market, this drastically increased competition.

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

The revolver has a lovely patina of age and is in fully functional condition. It indexes well with a strong cylinder lockup and crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with early revolvers. The Walnut grips are solid, with a lovely color, and have some great grain patterns. The metal finish has been worn to a lovely oxidized dark gray patina from years of use and cleaning. The trigger guard is worn a bit, which has removed all of the original nickel plating from the brass, which is typical, even for well cared for revolvers.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is definitely past oxidation and fouling, now cleaned away, and overall wear indicating a good amount of use while in service. Still, we often see Civil War percussion revolvers with bores like stove pipes, so this is definitely well above average!

A very interesting period modified Civil War percussion revolver, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture:  mid 1863
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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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.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.