Manhattan Firearms Co Pepperbox 28 Cal 3″ Percussion Pistol 1856-59 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1001

LSB#: 220519DW008

Make: Manhattan Firearms Co

Model: Pepperbox

Serial#: NSN

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1856-1859, Antique

Caliber: .28 Cap & Ball

Action Type: Percussion Pepperbox style handgun with 6 Barrels

Markings: The frame has floral decorations. The hammer is marked “MANHATTAN F.A. MFG. CO. / NEW YORK”. The barrel is marked “CAST STEEL”.

Barrel Length: 3”

Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for iron sights.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece wood panels. The grips have light handling marks, nicks, compressions and scuffs. There are some scattered patches of finish loss on the grips. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition for Antiques.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are all dark and coated in light-moderate oxidation.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains 3% of its metal finish. There is some trace bluing visible in the recesses between the barrels but otherwise the pistol’s finish has worn off. The gun is coated in light-surface oxidation and has taken a patin color. There are scattered light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a light crack on the left side of the hammer. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The timing is slightly off and the hammer is fragile. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Manhattan Firearms Company was a small manufacturer founded in 1856 that produced approximately 150,000 handguns before it ultimately went under in the years following the Civil War. This pepperbox was one of the company’s earlier products, Manhattan Firearms Co. is most famous for producing single-action percussion revolvers strikingly similar to Colt’s products. The pepperbox has wear consistent with a 19th century handgun, but it remains well preserved. This is a great option for historical firearms collectors. Good luck on your bid!