Merwin & Hulbert .38 Caliber Pocket Revolver Second Model Antique Engraved
SOLD FOR: $1500
WOA#: WY230809RB003
Make: Merwin & Hulbert
Model: .38 Caliber Pocket Revolver Second Model
Serial Number: 5641
Year of Manufacture: 1880’s
Caliber: .38 Merwin and Hulbert
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Spur Trigger, Rearward Sliding Loading Gate
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “MERWIN HULBERT / NEW YORK U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “38 CAL”. The top strap/barrel rib is marked “HOPKINS&ALLEN MFG. CO. NORWICH. CONN. U.S.A. PAT. JAN. 24” with several patent dates below. The barrel, frame, and cylinder are engraved. The buttstrap is marked “5641”.
Barrel Length: 3.5” Solid Rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a semi-circle blade pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Bone screwed to the frame by a single screw. The grips show light handling wear. Only minor discoloration due to age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition for antique. .
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp.There is some mild corrosion throughout especially at the mid length with some light erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a well defined cylinder. There is some general corrosion throughout but primarily on the left side of the frame and top strap. The screw heads range from sharp. The markings are clear. The timing is good and the trigger pull is smooth. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition for antique..
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The action is smooth and the cylinder lockup has only light play on all 5 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. There are two levers, one on the bottom of the frame and one on the left side in front of the cylinder. When both are pressed, the Barrel assembly twists to allow for easy extraction of bullets.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Merwin & Hulbert .38 Caliber Pocket Revolver Second Model is a standout piece from a bygone era of American firearms manufacturing. Produced in the late 19th century, this revolver is often lauded for its innovative design and mechanical ingenuity. Crafted by Merwin, Hulbert & Co., a firm that once rivaled established brands like Smith & Wesson and Colt, the Second Model showcases the company’s commitment to creating high-quality, reliable sidearms.
This revolver’s uniqueness lies in its twisting and pulling barrel mechanism, which allows for easy extraction of spent cartridges while leaving the unfired ones in the cylinder—a feature particularly noteworthy during a period when quick reloading could be a matter of life or death. Chambered in .38 caliber, it was ideal for close-quarters self-defense and concealed carry. The Second Model features a sliding loading gate, spur trigger, a relatively short barrel, and exquisite craftsmanship, including intricate scrollwork or engraving on the frame. While not as widely recognized today as some contemporaneous brands, Merwin & Hulbert revolvers were held in high regard during their time for their robust construction and reliability.
In a nutshell, the Merwin & Hulbert .38 Caliber Pocket Revolver Second Model is a fascinating artifact of American firearms history, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its era. Whether as a collector’s item or a study piece for historians of American gunmaking, this revolver captivates those who appreciate mechanical complexity coupled with aesthetic grace. Its unique design and historical relevance make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.