Product Description
ANTEBELLUM CIVIL WAR Era Antique MANHATTAN Percussion PEPPERBOX Revolver
6 Shot Production Revolver from Norwich, Conn.
Here we present an antique Manhattan 6-Barrel Bar Hammer Pepperbox Percussion Revolver, made circa 1856-59, just prior the American Civil War, in Norwich, Connecticut. Manhattan Fire Arms Co. was founded in 1856 specifically to capitalize on the soon to be expiring Colt patents in 1857. This strategy worked very well for the company and they began by making high quality and very close copies of both Colts and other popular pistols with expired patents. In fact, Manhattan’s copies of Colts were so close that Colt tried to kill their production with a lawsuit, even though their patent had expired.
Percussion nipples were integrated to the barrels. Made with a bar hammer and standard trigger, models have been encountered with or without an integral nipple shield. While simplifying shooting (no manual cocking of the hammer), the bar hammer did preclude the inclusion of usable sights. However, this early example of a double-action pistol must have been quite a selling point. As these were considered “point and shoot” short range defensive weapons or “belly guns”, the market did not seem to object to the limitation of not having sights.
Many Manhattan guns found themselves on smoky Civil War battlefields, purchased privately by officers and soldiers, and they were certainly in use at home. The war created a vast and unquenchable market for firearms of all types. The history that these pistols enjoyed over the years is astounding: the Seminole Wars, Gold Rush, Mexican War and American Civil War. These guns are true relics of American history.
The overall condition is good. Gray patina throughout. The action is strong. The bores are dim and smooth. Solid grips.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 3-1/4 inches.
Caliber: .31 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$1350
#240389