Manhattan Firearms New York Series I

Manhattan Firearms New York Series I - Inventory Number: HAN 339

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. Approximately 4,800 percussion pocket model revolvers in .31 caliber were produced at their Newark, NJ factory between 1858 and 1862, of which approximately 1,000 were Series I. These were basically a copy of the 1849 Colt Pocket Revolver, but did have a few features specific to and patented by Manhattan. 

This is an early production Series I, featuring a 5-shot, 10-stop cylinder with roll-engraved stagecoach holdup scene. Octagonal 5” barrel, stamped “MANHATTAN FIREARMS/MANUF’G. CO. NEW YORK” on the top flat. Scroll-engraved frame, two-piece walnut grips. Serial number “0538” stamped on underside of barrel. Metal smooth, with a few light scratches. Cylinder scene is partially visible but worn. Bore shows some rifling. Action functions properly. Grips very good. Overall length 8 5/8”. Unusual to find a mass-produced repeating handgun with hand engraving as a standard feature.

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Inventory Number: HAN 339