Rare Merwin & Hulbert .44 Russian Cal. Large Frame Single Action Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,405.00
WOA#: WY240409WOA006
Make: Merwin & Hulbert Co. Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen
Model: Russian Model Revolver /First Model/ (Open Top)
Serial Number: 9618
Year of Manufacture: 1876-1880’s
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Rearward Sliding Loading Gate
Markings: The Top of the barrel is marked “MERWIN HULBERT / NEW YORK U.S.A PAT. JAN.24.APR.21.DEC.15.74.AUG.8.75.JULY.11.76.APR.17.77 Pat’s MAR. 6.77”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUSSIAN MODEL”. The left side of the barrel is marked “THE HOPKINS & ALLEN MANUFACTURING CO. NORWICH CONN. U.S.A. . The butt is marked “9618”.
Barrel Length: 7-Inch Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a semi-circle blade shaped from a rise in the barrel. The rear sight is a “u” notch integral to the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece made of pearl, screwed to each other by a single screw and grommet. The grips show handling wear. Only minor discoloration due to age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about fine condition for antique. Pearl and Ivory grips bring a premium. (Reference Flaydermans)
Type of Finish: Nickel with finish lost to patina
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp.There is some mild corrosion throughout especially at the mid length with no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. The scoop type cylinder flutes retain some of the original finish, the cylinder has a well defined cylinder ring. There is some general finish loss throughout. The screw heads are tool marked and misshapen. The markings are sharp. The timing is good and the trigger pull is smooth.The fact that the lanyard loop ring and grips are still in good standing speak for how well this revolver has been cared for over the last century. Overall, this revolver is in about Good to fine condition for antique..
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The action is smooth and the cylinder lockup has only light play on all 6 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. The extraction is done through a vacuum process. It is quite an ingenious design
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original, New Mexico Style, Double Loop, Brown leather Holster; Timely to the piece; Leather Maker unknown with one proper western repair. (Please see photos)
Our Assessment: The Merwin & Hulbert .44 Russian Caliber Large Frame Single Action Revolver First 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 third 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. The revolver’s design—considered one of the strongest of its time—also featured a novel case extraction system whereby the barrel and cylinder were twisted and pulled forward. Empty cases were extracted by the vacuum produced during the twisting motion, and loaded cartridges remained in the cylinder due to their mass and inertia. Chambered in .44 caliber, it was ideal for close-quarters self-defense.
The first Model features a sliding loading gate, a relatively long barrel, and exquisite craftsmanship, some 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.It was made in four variations. The First Model was chambered in the proprietary .44 Merwin & Hulbert, similar to Smith & Wesson’s .44 American cartridge. It was an open-top, single-action revolver that was mostly seen with a nickel finish. One distinctive feature was the “scoop”-type cylinder flutes that did not extend all the way to the front of the cylinder.
The revolver’s design—considered one of the strongest of its time—also featured a novel case extraction system whereby the barrel and cylinder were twisted and pulled forward. Empty cases were extracted by the vacuum produced during the twisting motion, and loaded cartridges remained in the cylinder due to their mass and inertia.
Merwin & Hulbert wanted a piece of the Russian military business and also chambered the First Model in .44 Russian. This eventually proved to be one of the company’s many less-than-stellar business decisions, as the Russians never paid for three shipments. The Frontier First Model was made for only two years. (Reference – https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/merwin-hulbert-co-guns-forgotten-western-revolvers/ )
A Second Model had a shortened cylinder locking bolt and no sideplate. The trigger guard is longer and deeper, and it was chambered in .44-40 WCF. This model ran for four years. Production of Merwin & Hulbert revolvers sputtered along until 1916 when Hopkins & Allen went bankrupt. The remaining assets were purchased by Marlin Firearms in 1917, but the revolvers were no longer manufactured.
That wasn’t the end of the road for the company, though. Interestingly, the Merwin & Hulbert company name and its patents were purchased in 2012 by a gun maker named Michael Blank, who attempted to revive the somewhat widely recognized revolver design.
Blank, who is something of a perfectionist when it comes to making replicas, was unable to produce the complicated design of the Merwin & Hulbert revolvers in a profitable manner, and the idea was abandoned by 2014.
You can see more examples of Merwin & Hubert revolvers at the NRA Museum website.
In a nutshell, The Merwin & Hulbert .44 Russian Caliber Large Frame Single Action Revolver First Model is an amazing piece of machinery and ingenuity. This 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. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid. -K.F.
