Original Item: Only One Available. Pepperbox revolvers were so named because of the similarity of the front view of the weapon was so reminiscent of a Pepper Pot of the time, being a circle of round holes. This example was made by the Manhattan Firearms Manufacturing Company, which was founded by a group of businessmen in 1856, anticipating the expiration of many Colt revolver patents in 1857. Production began immediately at their factory in Norwich, Connecticut, and by 1859 they had moved to a new facility in Newark, New Jersey. While they were named Manhattan Firearms and used "NEW YORK" in their early address markings, the company was never actually based in New York, just as with Colt.

As the Colt patents had not expired when Manhattan Firearms began production, they at first made other firearms based on expired patents, mainly single shot pistols and percussion pepperbox revolvers. The latter were made in .28 caliber, often called .31 due to the bore measurement, and came in various lengths with both 5 and 6 round cylinders.

This is a very nice example of one of the early Manhattan Firearms Co Pepperbox Revolvers. The weapon is Six Shot in approximately .28 caliber measuring 6 3/4" overall with 2 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 278 is stamped on the inside of the right grip scale, the grip frame, the mainspring, and on the rear of the cylinder between two of the cap nipple cones (faint). There is even a faded 278 on the inside of the trigger guard. This is a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, without any major parts swapped out during its service life.

The frame has some very nice decorative engraving on the side plates of the action, and the bar hammer is stamped:

This example is also marked on the flats between the barrels with:

The Pepperbox is in very good condition, and still cycles correctly for the most part, with the occasional hiccup due to wear of the internal workings. The metalwork has a lovely faded gray patina. and the original walnut grips are in very good condition.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1856-57
Caliber:  approx .28" (bore .31")
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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