Original Item: Only One Available. Well THIS is a real peach! This is an excellent condition Civil War revolver, made by the MANHATTAN FIREARMS COMPANY of NEWARK, N.J., and is definitely one of the best examples we have seen! 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 great example features the special order short 4" barrel, and serial number 52542, which is found on the frame, trigger guard, cylinder axis pin barrel wedge, and the bottom of the grip. The rear of the cylinder marking unfortunately has worn away due to powder burn, but we have no reason to believe that it is not original to the revolver.

The revolver also 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, and there is even the original PATENTED DEC.27.1859 marking!

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 makes this a definitely Civil War produced gun, probably made in August of 1864. 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 IV manufacturer engraving, indicating the move to Newark:

The revolver not only looks good but it is in fully functional condition. The Walnut grips are solid, with only a bit of wear at the edges, and a lovely color, with lots of the original varnish present. The finish is a lovely polished steel, with bits of the original finish in places. The trigger guard/grip frame is worn, which has removed the original nickel plating from the brass in most areas, which is typical, even for well cared for revolvers. The cap nipples on the cylinder are all clear, and appear to be original, though they do have some rust. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, but also fouling and oxidation.

This is a very nice civil war percussion revolver, ready to add to your collection and 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: 1864
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/2 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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