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Exceptional Factory Engraved Manhattan Arms First Model 22 Caliber Pocket Revolver with an Original

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Exceptional Factory Engraved Manhattan Arms First Model 22 Caliber Pocket Revolver with an Original
This is an exceptional example of First Model, First Variation Manhattan Arms 22 caliber revolver manufactured circa 1860 to 1861 with a total production of approximately 1,600. This revolver has an iron rounded, silver plated frame with a circular iron frame plate on the left side, 7 round cylinder with stops on the breech end, stop on the topstrap and 6 groove barrel. The cylinder and barrel are blue with the standard scroll engraving on the side flats of the barrel and the trigger and hammer are casehardened. No markings except for the matching serial number on the left side of the frame under the grip and on the rear of the barrel lug. Silver blade front sight and fitted with two piece smooth varnished walnut grips. Complete in an original two piece box with affixed label on the lid with a picture of a pocket revolver and reading "SEVEN SHOT PISTOL / made by / THE MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS / MANUFACTURING COMPANY / NEW YORK". The inside of the box has an added 15 round wooden bullet block with 14 22 caliber rounds, head stamped "H".
BBL: 3 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 22 RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 156


Excellent. The barrel and cylinder retain 99% original bright blue finish with loss limited the drag line on the cylinder and some very minor high edge wear. There is a small amount of scattered light spotting and a few light dings. The trigger has a smooth silver gray patina, the hammer shows approximately 50% vivid case colors mainly on the right side and the ejection rod shows 80% bright case colors. The frame retains approximately 95% original silver finish with some loss on the butt, edges of the frame plate and scattered speckled flaking. The grips are excellent retaining almost all of the original varnish with some very minor lower edge wear and only light handling marks. The box is good with glued repaired corners on the lid, some heavy corner wear and flaking of the outer paper and minimal wear on the inside. An exceptional nice First Model, First Variation Manhattan Pocket revolver with an almost non-existent original box.