Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition example of the Savage Navy Model, a six shot .36 caliber revolver, which was made from 1861 until 1862 with a total production of only 20,000 guns. This unique military revolver was one of the few handguns that was produced only for Civil War use. Its design was based on the antebellum Savage-North "figure eight" revolver. The Savage Navy had a unique way of cocking the hammer. The shooter used his middle finger to draw back the "figure 8" lever and then released it forward to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder.

This is a great very early example, manufactured in early 1862, this was made early during the second half of production. It bears serial number 12949, which is neatly stamped on the underside of barrel, on the rear of the cylinder, and written on the inside left grip scale. There is also a somewhat hard to read 949 stamped on the right side of the grip frame, along with assembly number 542. That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, and it's a great one!

There is even a partly clear inspector cartouche on the left grip, which looks to be DFC, for David F. Clark. He inspected Remington-Lee, Hotchkiss Rifles, Colt, Starr, Remington and Savage Revolvers, Colt Gatling Guns 1861-1886. We almost never get these in with a cartouche, much less one that we can read!

The upper frame stamping is still crisp and reads-

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with a nice worn gray patina, with no sign of refinishing or major oxidation. There is also a good amount of the original blued finish on the barrel, especially on the bottom three facets, which were protected by the loading rammer. It functions almost perfectly, with crisp indexing and a strong cylinder lockup. The cylinder chambers are in good shape, and all 6 cap nipples are still intact, which is rare due to the strong hammer strike the pistol has.

The bore is in very good condition, probably one of the best we've seen on a Figure 8 Revolver. It shows clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish, with some areas of light oxidation. Usually we get these well worn, oxidized, and/or shot out, so this is definitely a prime example! The original grips are also in good shape, without any repairs, cracks, or major dents. They have a lovely worn look with a great color and grain pattern.

These are always hard to find, especially in this very good condition, now is your chance! Ready to add to your civil war collection and display!

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1862
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the Savage 1861 Model .36 Cal-

The Union purchased just fewer than 12,000 of these initially at $19.00 apiece for use by its cavalry units. Savage Navy revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Wisconsin U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiments, and 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry while the State of Missouri issued 292 Savage revolvers to its Missouri Enrolled Militia units.

The remaining revolvers were purchased by private means and shipped to the Confederacy for use with the 34th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (Witcher's Nighthawks), the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Rebels), 11th Texas Cavalry, 7th Virginia Cavalry (Ashby's Cavalry), and 7th Missouri Cavalry. The United States Navy also made a small purchase of 800 Savages during 1861 for use on its ships.

The Savage-North revolver is a direct descendant of the Savage & North Figure 8 Model Revolver and the Alsop revolver sharing many similarities with both arms. Alsop was also located in Middletown, CT. and three members of the Alsop family served on the Savage Revolving Firearms Company board of directors. Therefore, the relationship between the two companies and the two weapons was more than coincidental.

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.