Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the Savage Navy Model, a six shot .36 caliber revolver, 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 one of the best examples we have seen, and was manufactured in mid 1862, just over 2/3 of the way through the total production. It bears serial number 14571, which is stamped on the underside of barrel and on the inside frame beneath the original wood grips. The serial marking on the the rear of the cylinder is 14501, which is so close we think it was mis-stamped at the factory. The patina matches the rest of the revolver, and it shows every sign of being the original cylinder.

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with traces of light speckling, but nothing more. The revolver cycles correctly both for cocking and firing, but as with any revolver of this age and type, it can be finicky at times. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a partly bright finish.

The upper frame stamping is still fully legible, another rarity, and it reads:

The original grips are also in good shape, though the right side does have a repair on the forward bottom. The left grip actually still has traces of the original inspection cartouche, and also has  W. S. B. stamped into the bottom, which we have not been able to identify.

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

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.

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

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