This is a 5 shot .36 caliber cap and ball revolver produced by the Manhattan Firearms Company of Newark, New Jersey. There were approximately 78,000 of these revolvers made between 1859 and 1868. This particular pistol is the series IV with the 6 1/2" octagonal barrel. The two line barrel address is very legible and reads "MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO. NEWARK N.J./PATENTED MARCH 8, 1864. The bore shows good rifling with no pitting, just needs a good cleaning. The cylinder scene is very faint, about all you can make out are the five different panel outlines. The 1859 patent date is still very legible on the cylinder. The serial number of 63702 can be found stamped on the barrel frame, trigger guard and back strap. The mechanics of the gun are sound, with the hammer locking in half and full cock. The cylinder indexes correctly when the hammer is pull back. The is no silverwash left on the brass back strap or trigger guard. They both have a deep mustard yellow patina. The walnut grips have no varnish left, they show a nice even brown color. The left grip has a couple of shallow age cracks, while the right grip has initials of three letters carved into it neat the back strap. This one has seen plenty of use, but still displays nicely.

Item # AA1296

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