Manhattan Series II Navy Percussion Revolver

Description

The Manhattan Firearms Company was founded in 1856 in New York, largely due to the expiration of Colt’s patent in 1857. They produced single-shot pistols, pepperbox pistols, and revolvers of calibers ranging from .22 to .36. While Manhattan had no large government contracts, many of these were privately purchased by officers and men of both sides before and during the Civil War. The .36 caliber Navy Revolver was Manhattan’s answer to the M1851 Colt Navy and approximately 78,000 were produced at their Newark, NJ factory between 1859 and 1868 in five series. This Civil War era Series II revolver features a 5” octagonal barrel, the top flat stamped “MANHATTAN FIREAMS MFG. CO. NEW YORK.” in one line. Five-shot cylinder engraved with five oval panels depicting naval and military scenes, and stamped “PATENTED DEC. 27, 1859”. Matching serial number “7284” stamped on barrel, frame, trigger guard, wedge, and grip strap. Silver-plated brass trigger guard and grip straps, one-piece varnished walnut grips. Originally finished with case-hardened frame, hammer, and loading lever, with the balance blued; now showing light pitting and oxidation, with traces of bluing in protected areas. Cylinder scenes showing wear, but complete and visible; about 50% original silver plating remains on trigger guard and grip straps; walnut grips very good with minor varnish loss; rifling visible but worn. Action functions normally. Overall length 10”.