Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 better examples we have seen, and was manufactured in mid 1862, just over 1/2 of the way through the total production. It bears matching serial number 12453, which is stamped on the inside frame beneath the original wood grips, and on the underside of the barrel under the loading rammer. The cylinder is marked on the back with 12711, so it was swapped out at some point.

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with only a bit of light peppering on the exterior, but no major pitting or scaling. The revolver cycles correctly both for cocking and firing, with good indexing and cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see with old revolvers such as these. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves, but also areas of past oxidation and light pitting. This revolver definitely did see some use.

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

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. The left grip still has the ghost of an inspector's cartouche.

The revolver comes in a very nice custom leather ;holster, which has been with the revolver for quite some time now. It is in great shape, and really adds to the piece. We assume it is from the late 19th or early 20th century.

These are always hard to find in this very good condition, fully functional with intact markings, 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.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.