Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ANTIQUE single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Merwin Hulbert 1st Model Open Top Army (Large Frame) that is FACTORY ENGRAVED!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Merwin Hulbert
Model: 1st Model Open Top Army - Large Frame
Serial: 12241
Caliber: .44-40 (CALIBRE WINCHESTER 1873)
Finish: Faded Blued / Patina
Barrel Length: 5.25"
Optics/Sights: Fixed V-Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Two-Piece Wooden Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: This example features Factory Engraving throughout the entire frame including a humming bird scene.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Merwin, Hulbert & Co. 1st Model Open Top Army stands as one of the most mechanically revolutionary single-action revolvers of the 19th-century American West. Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen in Norwich, Connecticut, between roughly 1876 and 1878, this large-frame frontier sidearm was designed to directly challenge market dominance from the Colt 1873 Single Action Army and Remington Model 1875. Built without a top strap over the cylinder—a nod to classic percussion-era aesthetics—the 1st Model is instantly recognizable by its open-top frame, distinctive half-length "scooped" cylinder flutes, and an external barrel wedge securing the barrel assembly to the arbor pin. What truly set the Merwin Hulbert apart from its contemporaries was its patented twist-and-pull, vacuum-assisted selective ejection system. By placing the hammer at half-cock, sliding the frame catch back, and rotating the barrel 90 degrees, the entire barrel and cylinder assembly pulls forward along the cylinder pin. Because an unfired cartridge retains its bullet diameter while expanded empty brass catches on the rear extractor plate, the mechanism automatically ejects spent casings while holding live rounds safely in the cylinder flutes. The manufacturing tolerances were so remarkably precise that sliding the assembly back into place created a true pneumatic suction seal, earning the revolver a reputation for unmatched machining quality on the frontier. Despite its superior engineering, smooth single-action lockup, and adoption by prominent Wild West figures—including Texas Rangers, lawmen, and notorious outlaws—Merwin, Hulbert & Co. struggled with marketing and distribution compared to Colt and Smith & Wesson. Today, the 1st Model Open Top Army represents the holy grail for Merwin Hulbert collectors due to its short production run and status as the true founding design of the company's large-frame line. Finding an authentic 1st Model in sound mechanical condition with crisp markings and original factory nickel or blue finish is an exceptionally rare opportunity for high-grade antique arms collectors and Western historians alike.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 1st Model Open Top Army - Large Frame
Serial: 12241
Caliber: .44-40 (CALIBRE WINCHESTER 1873)
Finish: Faded Blued / Patina
Barrel Length: 5.25"
Optics/Sights: Fixed V-Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Two-Piece Wooden Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: This example features Factory Engraving throughout the entire frame including a humming bird scene.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Merwin, Hulbert & Co. 1st Model Open Top Army stands as one of the most mechanically revolutionary single-action revolvers of the 19th-century American West. Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen in Norwich, Connecticut, between roughly 1876 and 1878, this large-frame frontier sidearm was designed to directly challenge market dominance from the Colt 1873 Single Action Army and Remington Model 1875. Built without a top strap over the cylinder—a nod to classic percussion-era aesthetics—the 1st Model is instantly recognizable by its open-top frame, distinctive half-length "scooped" cylinder flutes, and an external barrel wedge securing the barrel assembly to the arbor pin. What truly set the Merwin Hulbert apart from its contemporaries was its patented twist-and-pull, vacuum-assisted selective ejection system. By placing the hammer at half-cock, sliding the frame catch back, and rotating the barrel 90 degrees, the entire barrel and cylinder assembly pulls forward along the cylinder pin. Because an unfired cartridge retains its bullet diameter while expanded empty brass catches on the rear extractor plate, the mechanism automatically ejects spent casings while holding live rounds safely in the cylinder flutes. The manufacturing tolerances were so remarkably precise that sliding the assembly back into place created a true pneumatic suction seal, earning the revolver a reputation for unmatched machining quality on the frontier. Despite its superior engineering, smooth single-action lockup, and adoption by prominent Wild West figures—including Texas Rangers, lawmen, and notorious outlaws—Merwin, Hulbert & Co. struggled with marketing and distribution compared to Colt and Smith & Wesson. Today, the 1st Model Open Top Army represents the holy grail for Merwin Hulbert collectors due to its short production run and status as the true founding design of the company's large-frame line. Finding an authentic 1st Model in sound mechanical condition with crisp markings and original factory nickel or blue finish is an exceptionally rare opportunity for high-grade antique arms collectors and Western historians alike.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1194344921 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-08-16 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
994 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-08-16 19:12:13 |
