Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used 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 early 1861, this was made during the first 10% of of production. It bears serial number 737, which is neatly stamped on the underside of barrel, and under the wooden grips on the frame. The grips themselves do not show any serial number, which would usually be marked in pencil. There is no serial number apparent on the cylinder, most likely due to the wear and external oxidation that give this revolver such a lovely patina. Another number 7326 was marked under the middle of the barrel but we do not know why.

The upper frame stamping is still fully legible, and reads:

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with a few traces of past pitting, and a nice oxidized gray patina, with no signs of heavy cleaning or refinishing. It functions quite nicely, cocking and advancing properly with the lower lever, and firing with the trigger. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we see on these. The cylinder lock spring is strong, and it indexes well.

The cylinder and chambers show powder burn and oxidation around them, also shown on the rear of the cylinder and the ratchet fitting, which is a separate piece. This definitely looks to have seen a lot of firing during service, and was then not properly cleaned. The bore does show some rifling, but it is quite worn and there is also fouling and oxidation present. This is definitely a revolver that saw extensive service during the war. The original grips are in good shape, with a lovely color, though they look to have been refinished at some point, removing the original cartouches, though there is a US stamped on the upper left scale.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: c.1861
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.