May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Manufactured during the mid-1860s by the Plant Manufacturing Company in New Haven Connecticut and marketed by Merwin and Bray in New York. This example, serial number 914, is a Third Model with a blue 5 - 1/2" ribbed octagon barrel with a blade front sight and a "V" notch on the hammer spur for sighting. Silver plated brass frame, spur trigger, and two piece rosewood grips. Total production for Third Models is estimated at approximately 7,300. Complete with six shot .42 caliber cylinder for firing cup primed cartridges, and an interchangeable six shot percussion cylinder. The metallic cup-primed cartridges are loaded from the front of the cylinder. This intriguing design was intended to circumvent the Rollin White bored-through patents that were controlled by Smith & Wesson. Though there is no evidence of Government contracts for these revolvers during the American Civil War, it is believed many Union Officers purchased them privately. This beautifully preserved example is compete with the original two piece pasteboard box with powder flask, interchangeable percussion cylinder, percussion ball loading tool, and percussion cap tin. Many of these revolvers were modified by frontier gunsmiths by boring the cylinder through to accept .41 Colt cartridges. This example remains unaltered. CONDITION: Excellent overall with approximately 95% bright original blue on the barrel and cylinder, with light scattered freckling. The brass frame retains 90+% original silver plating with light scattered freckling. Grips are excellent plus with 98% original varnish showing minimum wear. Box is sound, however, a bit tattered with broken corners to the lid. Overall a high condition example with original box, interchangeable percussion cylinder, and accessories. -MKS-
Accessories
Box with Accessories
Caliber/Bore
.42 Cup Fire & Percussion
Manufacturer
Merwin & Bray