Savage Revolving Firearms .36 Caliber Percussion Single Action Revolver, MFD 1861-1865 Antique

SOLD FOR $1,556.00
LSB#: 180508SH42

Make: Savage Revolving Fire-Arms Co.

Model: Navy Model

Serial Number: 6619

Year of Manufacture: 1861-1865

Caliber: .36 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 6-Shot, Ring-Lever Cocked, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the frame strap was marked “SAVAGE R.F.A. CO. MIDDLETOWN, CT / H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17, 1856 / JAN. 18, 1859, MAY 15, 1860”, most of the markings are faded. The bottom of the barrel under the loading lever and the right of the grip frame uner the grip are marked “6619”. The rear face of the cylinder, under the plate, is marked “7183”. The left of the grip frame is marked “M”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/8”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel post, screwed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched rise in the frame on the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut panels. The left panel has a small loss at the top corner and another at the bottom-front corner with two holes in the side and some scattered light compressions and wear. The right panel has some scattered light compressions and wear. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Good-plus overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: The finish is blue with a case hardened hammer, lever, trigger guard and trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is lightly defined. There is light to moderate erosion throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 3% of its metal finish, seen as blue on the loading lever and ring trigger. The surfaces show light pitting and dark patina throughout with many of the markings obscured by the pitting. The nipples are lightly compressed but not mushroomed, please see our pictures. The screw heads are mostly sharp and we suspect that most of them are replacements. The markings under the grip are mostly clear, the other markings are mostly obscured by erosion. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good Plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: This revolver has a unique ring-lever in the ‘heart shaped trigger guard’, which brings the cylinder back, while advancing to the next chamber, the smaller upper trigger releases the hammer. The cylinder produces moderate side to side play. The revolver has a loading lever, intriguing off-set components to provide balance, and an oddly comfortable rounded grip strap which forces the user to grab low on the straps. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

For more information on this revolver, please view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5U9AoIS5I

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: According to Flayderman’s Guide, about 20,000 civilian and military Savage R.F.A. Navy Model pistols were produced from 1861 until the mid 1860’s, putting its production in the heart of American Civil War years; this pistol bears an inspector mark “M” on the frame but does not have any other visible inspector marks or cartouches. The surfaces show their age but the gun is mechanically sound. Coming from one of the most contentious and studied eras of American history, it is sure to spawn decades of conversation on the potential role it played. We’ve seen some odd mechanisms on Civil War era firearms but this one takes the cake. Looking cumbersome at first, upon handling, one can see why members of the Cavalry would have liked this heafty, quick pointing and unique lever action pistol. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This antique handgun can be sold in California.