Palmetto Replica Revolvers 1861 E. Whitney Navy Matched Pair .36 Cal
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB251105CK002, LSB251105CK001
Make: Palmetto Replica Revolvers
Model: 1861 E. Whitney Navy
Serial Number: 282, 281
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (AH date codes)
Caliber: .36 Cal
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Cap & Ball
Markings: These revolvers are marked the same, serial numbers aside. The top of the barrel is marked “1861 E. Whitney .36 CaliberThe right side of the barrel is marked “BLACK POWDER ONLY 36 CAL”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Made in Italy”. The butt straps are marked with the serial number. There are Italian proof marks on the frame, cylinder, and barrel.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth hardwood. There are no chips or cracks. There are minor handling marks and small compression dings. There are minor finish imperfections. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, color case grip frame, and brass trigger guard.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores have light corrosion but no deep pitting. In this writer’s opinion these bores both rate in 8/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, scratches, and light corrosion in the barrel and cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The cylinder stop on #282 is stuck and affects timing. Other than that, the action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Boxes and one powder flask.
Our Assessment: This matched pair of Palmetto replica 1861 E. Whitney Navy revolvers represents a faithful late-20th-century reproduction of one of the lesser-seen but historically important American Civil War–era percussion revolver designs. Produced in Italy in 1981, these revolvers reflect Palmetto’s focus on accurately reproducing transitional-era sidearms that bridged the gap between Colt’s open-top designs and later solid-frame revolvers. The Whitney Navy pattern, with its distinctive top strap and streamlined profile, was widely respected in its day for strength and durability, and these replicas capture that character well.
Chambered in .36 caliber cap and ball, the Whitney Navy was historically regarded as a balanced and controllable martial and civilian revolver. Both examples in this pair retain bright bores with only light corrosion present and no deep pitting, each rating approximately 8 out of 10, which is a solid showing for black powder revolvers that have seen use. The bladed front sights and integral U-notch rear sights are correct to the pattern and provide a clean, period-style sight picture consistent with mid-19th-century revolver practice.
Overall condition is very good, with approximately 95 percent of the original finish remaining across both revolvers. The blued barrels and cylinders show only light handling marks and minor corrosion, while the color case grip frames and brass trigger guards present attractively. The hardwood grips are free of cracks or chips and show only minor handling wear. Mechanically, one revolver, serial number 282, has a stuck cylinder stop that affects timing, while the other functions correctly with a crisp trigger. As a serially close, visually matched pair with original box, these Palmetto 1861 E. Whitney Navy replicas offer an appealing opportunity for collectors or enthusiasts seeking a representative matched set of an uncommon Civil War–era revolver design. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
