Nice ENGRAVED Antique MARLIN XX Standard Model 1873 .22 RF POCKET REVOLVER SCARCE “Suicide Special” Revolver in .22 Rimfire

Product Description

Nice ENGRAVED Antique MARLIN XX Standard Model 1873 .22 RF POCKET REVOLVER

SCARCE “Suicide Special” Revolver in .22 Rimfire

Here we present an antique Marlin XX Standard Model 1873 Pocket Revolver, made circa 1873-87 in New Haven. Around 10,000 XX Standard 1873 pocket revolvers were manufactured by Marlin between 1873 and 1887. 9,000 of these were manufactured between 1875 and 1887 with round, ribbed barrels and fluted cylinders. Marlin revolvers have multiple serial number series based on subtle changes in the designs. The revolver bears much resemblance to Smith & Wesson’s pioneer top-hinge cartridge revolvers. These were designed to be carried in a pocket for self-protection in a self-reliant 19^th Century America. Firepower was 7 shots of .22 rimfire.

It was not until 1948 that the term “Suicide Special” was coined and proliferated by Duncan McConnel in his article for the NRA’s American Rifleman. 10 years later in 1958 Donald Blake Webster published his book about them, Suicide Specials. There were quite literally dozens of companies making these at the end of the 19^th century, curiously being “trade named” all sorts of things, for example: Defender, Blue Jacket, Red Jacket, Electric, Smoker and many more! They are typically rimfire and have the spur trigger, much like their progenitor the S&W No. 1 Revolver. Though they do not have the name recognition of Colt’s, Smith & Wesson and Remington, they still represent a period in American history and present an opportunity for collectors with relatively minimal investment.

Though this nice little spur trigger was made around 10 years after the close of the Civil War, handguns like this were commonly privately purchased by soldiers for use on the battlefield. Whether legend or fact, it is interesting to note something commonly read about pocket revolvers of the day: that while they could be used for self-defense against the enemy, many soldiers kept them on their person to defend themselves against an unwanted amputation in the primitive field hospitals that were notorious, even in their day.

The overall condition is very fine. Original nickel finish has been preserved. Bright bore. Markings and engravings are sharp throughout. Solid grips that show average handling wear. Excellent action all the way around.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 3 inches.

Caliber: .22 Rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1500
#240006