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Scarce Eagle Arms Co. Patent Front Loading Cartridge Pocket Revolver with Picture Box and Phoenix Ca

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Scarce Eagle Arms Co. Patent Front Loading Cartridge Pocket Revolver with Picture Box and Phoenix Ca
Manufactured in the mid 1860s with a total production of approximately 20,000. These revolvers were manufactured by Eagle Manufacturing Company of New York and sold through Plant's Manufacturing Company of New Haven. The top of the barrel rib is marked "EAGLE ARMS CO., NEW YORK" and the cylinder is marked "PATENTED JULY 12, 1859 & JULY 21, 1863". The revolver is front loading and chambered for the 30 caliber cup primed cartridge. 6 round cylinder, spur trigger, blade front and frame notch rear sights, silver plated brass frame with blue barrel and cylinder, and fitted with smooth two piece rosewood grips. The revolver is complete with an original black pebble grain, hinge lid box with an original empty Eagle cartridge box manufactured by the Phoenix Metallic Cartridge Co. The label on the lid depicts the image of the revolver with "SIX / SHOOTER / No 1" to the upper left and "THE BEST / METALLIC / CARTRIDGE REVOLVER" and "MANUFACTURED BY THE / eagle logo / EAGLE ARMS CO / NEW YORK" below the revolver. The inside of the lid is marked with the "Directions for using". The ammunition box is black with gold lettering which reads "FIFTY No 30 / PATENT WATER PROOF / EAGLE CARTRIDGES / MANUFACTURED BY THE / Phoenix Metallic Cartridge Co. / SOUTH COVENTRY, CONN" over the patent and re-issue dates. A compartment has been fashioned inside the box to accommodate the ammunition box.
BBL: 3-1/2 inch octagon solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 30 RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: rosewood
Serial Number: 1614


Very fine. The barrel retains 40% plus of the original blue finish, mostly in protected areas with the balance having a smooth mottled brown patina. The cylinder shows very strong traces of the original blue finish mixed with a smooth brown patina. The frame retains 95% of the original silver plating with wear on the high edges. The exposed brass has an aged patina. There is some thinning and "blistering" of the finish directly ahead of the cylinder. The grips are near excellent with 97% original varnish remaining, a few chips in the finish, some minor lower edge wear and minor dings along the lower edges as well. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The box is good with some moderate to heavy edge and corner wear. The two corners on the front of the base of the box are separated and there is some water damage on the lid. The empty ammunition box is very good with exception of one of the lid flaps missing, otherwise moderate edge and corner wear. A scarce Eagle Arms Company Front Loading Pocket Revolver with an ever scarcer original Phoenix Cartridge Co. box.