Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this antique cap & ball revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Manhattan Fire Arms Co. Navy Revolver “Series III…"
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Manhattan Fire Arms Co.
Model: Navy Revolver “Series III”
Serial: 18363
Date of Manufacture: 1861-1864
Caliber: .36
Finish: In The White
Barrel Length: 6 1/2" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Hammer Grooved Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Cap & Ball / Percussion / Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Manhattan Firearms Company was founded in 1856 by a group of businessmen anticipating the expiration of Colt’s revolver patents in 1857. Production began immediately at their Norwich, Connecticut, facility, but by 1859 operations had moved to a larger plant in Newark, New Jersey. While waiting for the Colt patents to expire, Manhattan produced firearms based on other lapsed patents, including single-shot pistols and percussion pepperboxes. Once the Colt designs became fair game, Manhattan wasted no time introducing its own versions of the famous Colt Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. So close were these Manhattan revolvers to the Colt originals that Colt filed suit to halt their production. Despite this, Manhattan managed to produce and sell some 80,000 revolvers before operations ceased. The most distinctive feature of the Manhattan Navy was its cylinder, which carried additional safety notches—an identifying trait that separated it from the Colt design and helped prevent accidental discharge. Manhattan revolvers found their way into the American Civil War alongside countless other lesser-known arms of the era. In wartime, demand for firearms far outstripped supply, and firms like Manhattan filled that critical need.
Model: Navy Revolver “Series III”
Serial: 18363
Date of Manufacture: 1861-1864
Caliber: .36
Finish: In The White
Barrel Length: 6 1/2" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Hammer Grooved Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Cap & Ball / Percussion / Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Manhattan Firearms Company was founded in 1856 by a group of businessmen anticipating the expiration of Colt’s revolver patents in 1857. Production began immediately at their Norwich, Connecticut, facility, but by 1859 operations had moved to a larger plant in Newark, New Jersey. While waiting for the Colt patents to expire, Manhattan produced firearms based on other lapsed patents, including single-shot pistols and percussion pepperboxes. Once the Colt designs became fair game, Manhattan wasted no time introducing its own versions of the famous Colt Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. So close were these Manhattan revolvers to the Colt originals that Colt filed suit to halt their production. Despite this, Manhattan managed to produce and sell some 80,000 revolvers before operations ceased. The most distinctive feature of the Manhattan Navy was its cylinder, which carried additional safety notches—an identifying trait that separated it from the Colt design and helped prevent accidental discharge. Manhattan revolvers found their way into the American Civil War alongside countless other lesser-known arms of the era. In wartime, demand for firearms far outstripped supply, and firms like Manhattan filled that critical need.
The Navy model in particular reflected much of the elegance and functionality that had made Colt revolvers iconic. Its open-top frame mirrored the Colt pattern, while the octagonal barrel incorporated a loading lever beneath, driving the rammer against the cylinder chambers. The revolver’s walnut grips, engraved unfluted cylinder, and brass trigger guard lent both durability and style. A hammer spur allowed for easy manipulation, while the percussion system operated in the familiar fashion—powder and ball loaded from the front of the cylinder, percussion caps affixed at the rear, and the hammer striking the cap to ignite the charge. A small front sight near the muzzle completed the package. Mechanically, Manhattan’s revolvers were sound and owed much of their reliability to the proven Colt design.
The Manhattan Navy revolver was produced in five distinct series. Series I appeared in 1859, with just over 4,000 examples. Series II followed in early 1860 with up to 10,000 units, while Series III entered production in September 1861, ultimately accounting for about 30,000 revolvers. Series IV began in April 1864 with 24,000 examples, and the final Series V, introduced in June 1867 with a redesigned tapered loading lever, numbered about 9,000 before production ended in December 1868. The first four series were five-shot revolvers, while Series V transitioned to a six-shot design. All were chambered for the .36 caliber ball cartridge.
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
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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.
