Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition example of the Savage Navy Model, a six shot .36 caliber revolver, which was made from 1861 until 1862 with a total production of only 20,000 guns. This unique military revolver was one of the few handguns that was produced only for Civil War use. Its design was based on the antebellum Savage-North "figure eight" revolver. The Savage Navy had a unique way of cocking the hammer. The shooter used his middle finger to draw back the "figure 8" lever and then released it forward to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder.

This is a great very early example, manufactured in late 1861, this was made late during the first half of production. It bears serial number 8250, which is neatly stamped on the underside of barrel and on the right side of the grip frame under the grip scale.

Of more interest is that on the inside of the left grip scale, the revolver the name J. Brown / C.S strongly engraved into the wood. There is a much fainter 4TH / CAV to the right of this, and what looks to be MEM to the left. We did some preliminary research, and there were THREE recorded J. Browns with the NY 4th Cavalry Regiment. If we assume "C.S" means "Confederate States", it would narrow the search, but either way this definitely has some fantastic research potential!

The upper frame stamping is still mostly legible and reads-

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with a nice worn gray patina, with no sign of refinishing or major oxidation, except around the cylinder. There is powder burn in this area, and the rear of the cylinder and front of the ratchet are both pitted, which removed the serial number. It functions almost perfectly, with crisp indexing and a strong cylinder lockup. You have to really pull the lower trigger hard to get it to slightly overshoot. The cylinder chambers are in good shape, and all 6 cap nipples are still intact, which is rare due to the strong hammer strike the pistol has.

The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves shown on a mostly bright finish. There is some light oxidation and wear, but we usually we get these well worn, oxidized, and/or shot out, so this is definitely a very good example! The original grips are also in good shape, without any repairs, cracks, or major dents. They have a lovely worn look with a great color and grain pattern.

These are always hard to find, especially in this very good condition, now is your chance! Ready to add to your civil war collection and display!

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1862
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the Savage 1861 Model .36 Cal-

The Union purchased just fewer than 12,000 of these initially at $19.00 apiece for use by its cavalry units. Savage Navy revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Wisconsin U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiments, and 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry while the State of Missouri issued 292 Savage revolvers to its Missouri Enrolled Militia units.

The remaining revolvers were purchased by private means and shipped to the Confederacy for use with the 34th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (Witcher's Nighthawks), the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Rebels), 11th Texas Cavalry, 7th Virginia Cavalry (Ashby's Cavalry), and 7th Missouri Cavalry. The United States Navy also made a small purchase of 800 Savages during 1861 for use on its ships.

The Savage-North revolver is a direct descendant of the Savage & North Figure 8 Model Revolver and the Alsop revolver sharing many similarities with both arms. Alsop was also located in Middletown, CT. and three members of the Alsop family served on the Savage Revolving Firearms Company board of directors. Therefore, the relationship between the two companies and the two weapons was more than coincidental.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.