Manhattan Pocket Revolver Series 1 .31 Cal 5″ Cap & Ball Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,376.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC101
Make: Manhattan Firearms Manufacturing Co
Model: Pocket Revolver Series 1
Serial Number: 77
Year of Manufacture: 1858-1862
Caliber: .31 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manhattan Fire Arms Manufg. CO, New York”. The serial number “77” is marked on the frame, cylinder, wedge, and barrel.
Barrel Length: 5” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post threaded to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is two-piece smooth walnut. The grip shows light handling wear. There is oil darkening on both grips. Overall, the grip is in about Fine condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is distinct. There is light erosion and pitting in the bore. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for a black powder antique.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains almost none of its metal finish. The bluing has been worn to a silver patina. There is light corrosion staining throughout. The color case is very faint on the hammer. The markings are faint but legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box, flask and loading accessories.
Our Assessment: This Manhattan Pocket Revolver Series 1 dates to the late 1850s to early 1860s, a period when American arms makers were rapidly expanding production to meet both civilian demand and the pressures of the pre–Civil War market. Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. was among several New York firms that produced Colt-pattern percussion revolvers under license or legal ambiguity, supplying affordable pocket revolvers to a growing urban and frontier population. The Series 1 pocket models, typically chambered in .31 caliber, were intended for discreet personal defense and everyday carry rather than military service.
Configured with a 5 inch octagonal barrel and open-top frame, this revolver follows the classic Colt pocket revolver pattern, complete with a brass front sight and hammer-notch rear sight. The bore remains gray with distinct rifling, showing light erosion and pitting consistent with black powder use and age, yet notably strong for a mid-19th-century percussion handgun. Matching serial number “77” on the frame, cylinder, wedge, and barrel is an important positive attribute, reinforcing the revolver’s originality and integrity.
Overall, this example presents in very good condition for an antique percussion revolver. Most of the original blued finish has worn to an even silver patina, with light corrosion staining and only faint traces of case color remaining on the hammer, all consistent with honest age and handling. The walnut grips show attractive oil darkening and light wear without cracks, and the markings, while faint, remain legible. Mechanically functional and accompanied by period-appropriate accessories, this Manhattan pocket revolver stands as a well-preserved representative of mid-19th-century American arms production from Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., offering both historical interest and solid collector appeal. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
