Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. To some this is one of the most beautiful Revolvers ever made. Wonderful design, great workmanship and so easy on the eye. Mervin & Hulbert started business in 1876 with the "Frontier" Army Model Open Frame cartridge revolver, which took the .44 Merwin & Hulbert cartridge. This was followed by a refined 2nd model in 1883, which also introduced a version which took the very popular .44-40 Winchester Cartridge. It was then replaced by the 3rd model, which did away with the open top frame, as well as the superfluous barrel wedge.
This example retains no original finish, however retains its plastic grips, which are fully checkered. The finish is now just polished iron, the typical look of a long term workaday revolver. The "Traditional" 7 inch barrel has been reduced down to 6 1/2 inches, which did not require removal of the front sight, which was already set back around 1/2". These revolvers were often cut down from the very imposing full length to make them lighter and quicker drawing. This one is only slightly shorter, possibly to remove damage to the end of the barrel.
It is contained in a very nice tooled leather flap holster, with woven leather seams. there are some very nice designs embossed into the leather, and the holster has the great look of well-aged leather. The leather is rather thin, suggesting it may be deer leather, rather than the usual leather from cattle.
The serial number 1737 is marked on the flat bottom of the grip, the cylinder axis pin, the front of the cylinder, and on the rear of the barrel frame, so this is a fully matched revolver. This is a revolver that has definitely seen significant use, and it shows. The external finish has the original bluing worn to a bright patina, with areas of peppering and oxidation. The reloading system works correctly, though there is definitely play in the connections, due to the amount of wear.. The reloading lock cannot be opened unless the hammer is pulled back to the first click, as this releases the cylinder lock. Action functions, but is a bit sticky and finicky due to the age and wear on this example.
Originally offered in single action only it was hoped to be accepted by the U.S. Government, however by this date Colt had most all of the Government Contracts in its pocket. There was stiff competition from Remington, Smith & Wesson and Forehand & Wadsworth, however Mervin and Hulbert did succeed in getting some Police Contracts.
With an ingenious reloading system it became a favorite with many individuals and even more so with Collectors of today. Merwin died in 1888 whereupon the Company became Hulbert Bros Co.but was liquidated in 1896.
A lovely and rare large Single Action U.S. Revolver.
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1883 to 1887
Caliber: .44"
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address in the US.
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