Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice .31 caliber percussion revolver with a fluted five shot cylinder made by the famous Eli Whitney company in New Haven, Connecticut. Designated the Whitney Pocket Model Revolver, this type revolver is a 31 caliber sidearm of which a total of 32,500 such handguns were produced at the Whitneyville Armory manufacturing center in the Whitneyville section of New Haven, Connecticut from 1859 through the early 1860s. These revolvers were great favorites with Union Officers, who purchased these as a personal second revolver to take into battle. They were easily concealed and most effective, giving the officer an additional 5 shots when needed.

In good condition, this Second Model, 2nd Type Whitney sidearm has the correct three-screw model frame with a 5-shot unrebated cylinder. It is 9 inches in overall length, mated to a 4” long octagonal barrel and ball type latch on the loading lever. The revolver has matching serial number 11749 marked on bottom of barrel, the loading rammer, and on the inside of both grip scales. As far as we can tell, this revolver is matching, and has not had any parts swapped out during its service life.

The top of the barrel still has the correct original Whitney address marking:

E. WHITNEY
N. HAVEN

Overall the revolver does show wear to the finish, and no longer shows any of the case hardening or bluing it originally had. There are still traces of the original roll engraved cylinder scene, however it is quite faint. Overall the revolver has a polished patina from years of use and cleaning. In spite of this, the original grips are quite nice, and still retain almost all of the original factory varnished finish.

The action works quite nicely, with a good cylinder lock up and a crisp dry fire. It indexes well and holds half cock and full cock. As with any revolver of this age however, it can be finicky at times. The bore is quite dark, showing, little lands and groves, and some spotting (2 of 10). Loading lever functions as expected.

A great Civil War Private Purchase secondary revolver, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber:  .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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