Original Item: Only One Available. This is a superb and completely honest example of the Savage Navy Model Revolver, a six-shot, .36 caliber percussion revolver manufactured only during the American Civil War. Produced between 1861 and 1862 by the Savage Revolving Firearms Company of Middletown, Connecticut, a total of approximately 20,000 revolvers were made — making this one of the scarcer primary-issue sidearms of the war.

Unlike many contemporary handguns adapted from civilian designs, the Savage Navy was purpose-built for military service. Its innovative “figure-eight” double-trigger system made it instantly recognizable. The lower ring trigger served both to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder, while the upper trigger fired the weapon. This allowed for rapid firing without manually cocking the hammer — a remarkable feature for its time.

This example is an early 1861 production revolver, bearing serial number 362, clearly stamped on the right side of the frame beneath the grips. The top of the frame retains sharp and fully legible markings:

SAVAGE R.F.A. CO. MIDDLETOWN, CT
H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17, 1856
JANUARY 19, 1859 MAY 15, 1860

Overall, the revolver presents in very good condition, showing a rich plum-brown patina across the metal surfaces — the perfect appearance of a revolver that genuinely saw service but was well cared for. The mechanical condition is excellent: the action is tight, the cylinder indexes properly with a strong lockup, and all six percussion nipples remain intact — a rarity on these robustly struck examples.

The bore remains very good, with  rifling visible along its length and only light frosting. The original walnut grips are solid, showing only light handling marks and no cracks or repairs.

This is an exceptionally well-preserved early production example of one of the Civil War’s most distinctive sidearms. The Savage Navy revolver’s unique double-trigger design and short production run make it an essential addition to any serious collection of U.S. martial handguns.

A fine, 100% original, and highly desirable early 1861 Savage Navy Model Revolver, ready to display in even the most advanced Civil War collection.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1861
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.

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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.