Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice Civil War era 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 very nice example features the standard 6½" barrel and fully matching serial number 34573, which is found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder axis rod, and the bottom of the grip. The loading lever, barrel wedge, and cylinder are all marked 4573, so this really is a "fully matching" revolver. There is also a good portion of the original cylinder engraving present. 

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 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 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. The cap nipples on the cylinder are all clear, and appear to be original. Overall the revolver has a look, with lots of original finish and some gentle wear marks.  The barrel is nice, with clear lands and grooves, though there is some corrosion present in areas.

On the brass back strap there is engraved:

We have not been able to locate any information on this officer, making this an excellent research opportunity. Perhaps there are museums in Maine that have more detailed records on their Civil War era officers.

The Revolver is contained in its original open top, left hand, brown leather holster, designed to be worn on the right hip butt forward for use with the left hand. The right hand was reserved for the Officer's Sword, worn on the left hip.

In great condition for 150 years of age, named to a Union Officer and completely with holster. Ready to research 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: 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

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.