Manhattan Navy Revolver

Description

Manhattan Navy Revolver

 

A desirable Manhattan Navy Revolver chambered in .36 caliber, manufactured by the Manhattan Fire Arms Company of Newark, New Jersey. This Civil War-era percussion revolver presents with an attractive dark gray-brown patina on the steel surfaces, while the cylinder retains a lighter silver-gray appearance that highlights portions of the original engraved naval battle scene.

 

The top of the octagonal barrel is marked:

MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO.
NEWARK, N.J.

 

The rear of the cylinder is stamped:

PATENTED DEC. 27, 1859

 

The barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are stamped with the matching serial number 27840. The serial number on the wedge is obscured and could not be verified.

 

The brass trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of their original silver-plated finish, with wear concentrated on the underside of the trigger guard where the brass base metal is visible. The revolver displays a pleasing, untouched appearance throughout. Minor handling marks and a few small dings are present on the left side of the barrel, likely from long-ago storage or use.

 

Mechanically, the loading lever functions smoothly, and the hammer locks securely at both half-cock and full-cock positions. The cylinder, however, does not consistently advance as intended and will require mechanical attention. The one-piece walnut grips remain in fine condition with an attractive surface and honest wear, exhibiting only a few minor nicks and handling marks.

 

With its matching serial numbers, strong visual appeal, and desirable Civil War-era manufacture, this Manhattan Navy revolver displays exceptionally well and would make an excellent addition to any collection of nineteenth-century American percussion arms.

 

Inventory Number: HAN-398