Mid 19th Century U.S. Percussion Cap 0.36" Calibre Navy Revolver
I don't think that this can be described as anything other than a beast of a revolver, with a very unique style and method of operation.
Around 20,000 of these were made between 1861 and 1862, with many being purchased by the U.S. Government and used by both sides during the American Civil War. Units that officially used this pistol were plentiful and included 34th and 35th Virginia Cavarly, 11th Texas, 7th Virginia and 7th Missouri Cavalry for the Confederate States and for the United States the 7th New York, 2nd Wisconsin, 5th Kansas and 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry.
I'm not sure that I'd call it a handsome piece but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it certainly has a distinctive and commanding presence and weighs in at over 1.5kg!
Its action works thus;
On pulling the lower trigger the pistol is cocked, revolving the cylinder and engaging the hammer. The top trigger simply releases the hammer. Very clever, but also quite a complex mechanism.
The mainspring is good and the action is crisp in its operation.
The metalwork is clean although there is clear evidence of rubbing to remove the pitting that is still evident.
I can find no evidence of Inspectors Marks or Government Stamps but the stamp on the top strap is clear and reads "Savage R.F.A.Co Middletown. CT, H?S North Patented June 17 1856, January 18 1859, May 15 1860.
An iconic piece of American Civil War history.
Barrel length 17.5cm, Overall length 36cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
