RARE Antique SAVAGE & NORTH “FIGURE 8” 2nd Model IRON FRAME Navy Revolver 1 of 100 2nd Models

Product Description

RARE Antique SAVAGE & NORTH “FIGURE 8” 2nd Model IRON FRAME Navy Revolver

1 of 100 2nd Models

Here we present an extremely rare antique Savage & North Figure 8 2nd Model Navy Revolver, manufactured between 1856 and 1859 in Middletown, Connecticut. Designed and patented in 1856 by Henry North (the grandson of company founder Simeon North), approximately 100 of these 2nd Model revolvers were made between 1856 and 1859. A First Model prototype was sent to the Washington Arsenal for examination in June 1856, and its successful testing led to an Ordnance Department order for 100 more. These were delivered in June 1857, and all but 1 of these revolvers were in the field for trial use by U.S. cavalry units within a year. Manufactured late in the production run, this Second Model reportedly had a total production of only approximately 100 according to Flayderman. These early Savage revolvers were redesigned and became the more widely used Savage Navy Model manufactured during the Civil War and purchased by the U.S. government.

The guns utilized a unique self-cocking action that rotated the cylinder and cocked the hammer by pulling back the lower ring trigger of a “Figure-8”. The upper trigger then fired the pistol in a conventional fashion. These test revolvers were chambered in .36 caliber, the same as the Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers then in service with the United States military. Savage & North produced approximately 250 of the First Model “Figure-8” revolvers between 1856 and 1859. The revolvers were produced in three distinct model variations. The First Model was produced with a brass frame with a round cross section and a conventional swinging link loading lever. The Second Model, as is this example, was produced with a round iron frame and new ratchet action loading lever. The Third Model was produced with the same ratcheting loading lever, and a flat-sided frame, taking on an appearance much akin to the more often encountered Savage Navy revolver.

It is estimated that about 250 of the first type revolvers were produced, with 100 of these being the Ordnance Department test revolvers. About 100 of the second model were produced, and another 100-200 of the third model were produced. The serial numbering system is noted as confusing by most arms historians, but the system seems to be a serial number range for brass framed guns and one for iron-framed guns. These numbers probably remained separate and consistent for the entire production run of both brass and iron framed guns with the improvements being added as they were adopted during the manufacturing process.

In 1859, the company was reorganized as the Savage Revolving Fire Arms Company and the design was improved to what is today known as the Savage Navy revolver. These would prove much more successful, with about 24,000 produced during the Civil War.

The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is strong. The bore is patinated with good rifling throughout. There is a small brazed repair on the frame at the back of the rammer assembly. Grips show use and remain solid.

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

Barrel is 7 inches.

Caliber: .36 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$8000
#240245