Merwin Hulbert & Co. Large Frame Single Action Open Top Revolver .44-40

SOLD FOR: $2,487.00

LSB#: LSB250520JB026

Make: Merwin, Hulbert & Co. / Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen

Model: Large Frame Single Action Revolver – Early Open Top with Bird’s-Head Butt

Serial Number: 501 (mismatched cylinder arbor marked 433)

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1876–1880 (Antique)

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (marked “CALIBRE / WINCHESTER 1873”)

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate and Twist-and-Pull Extraction System

Barrel Length: 3 1/4″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow notch at the rear of the frame.

Markings:
The left side of the barrel is marked:
“HOPKINS & ALLEN MFG CO. NORWICH. CONN. U.S.A. PAT. JAN. 24. / APR. 21. DEC. 15. 74 AUG. 3. 75 JULY 11. 76 APR. 17. 77. PAT’S MAR. 6. 77”.
The right side of the frame is marked:
“MERWIN HULBERT & CO. NEW YORK, U.S.A.”
The left side of the frame is marked:
“CALIBRE / WINCHESTER 1873”.
The butt is marked with the serial number “501”. The cylinder arbor is mismatched and marked “433”.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are made of natural antler. The right panel is checkered while the left panel is ornately carved with an eagle and serpent motif in the style of the Mexican national emblem. The grips are well fit and show age-toning, natural shrinkage, and minor discoloration at the base, but no major cracks or losses. The figure carving is sharply defined and gives the revolver a dramatic, personalized character.

Type of Finish: Nickel-Plated

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dark with defined rifling. There is persistent fouling and scattered oxidation throughout the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition:
This revolver retains approximately 80% of its original nickel finish. Areas of dulling and isolated oxidation are visible along the frame and ejector housing, while the barrel and cylinder show more consistent coverage. The scoop-fluted cylinder retains strong geometry with honest wear. The latch mechanism at the forward underside of the frame is intact and locks up tightly during cycling. The finish remains strongest in protected areas. The screws range from sharp to lightly worn. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition for its age and configuration.

Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The hammer cocks securely, the cylinder indexes and locks with proper timing, and the twist-and-pull latch system opens and closes as designed. The loading gate is intact and functional. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment:
This Merwin Hulbert & Co. large frame single-action revolver is a true frontier-era icon, representing both mechanical innovation and stylistic flair from the peak of the American Old West. This early production model features the open-top frame and bird’s-head grip, with the patented scoop-fluted cylinder and twist-and-pull extraction system that distinguished Merwin’s revolvers from contemporaries like Colt and Smith & Wesson.

It is chambered in .44-40 Winchester and marked accordingly, intended to pair with the lever-action rifles of the day. The nickel finish remains strong for its age, and though the bore is dark, the mechanical function is sound. The mismatched cylinder arbor is a common occurrence in revolvers that saw real use, especially with interchangeable barrel assemblies.

The real standout feature here is the set of grips—natural antler panels with a deeply carved eagle-and-snake motif on the left side and traditional checkering on the right. This suggests possible ownership by someone with ties to the Southwest or Mexico, giving the gun a palpable sense of place and personality. This revolver will appeal to collectors of early American wheelguns, western arms, and Merwin Hulbert enthusiasts who understand just how scarce and captivating these open-top revolvers truly are. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.