Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Merwin Hulbert & Co. Third Model Frontier Army SA!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Merwin Hulbert & Co.
Model: Third Model Frontier Army SA
Serial: 1561
Date of Manufacture: Approximately 1883-1887
Caliber: .44 Merwin & Hulbert
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Grips with Checkering
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Merwin & Hulbert & Co. was a short-lived but notable 19th-century American firearms firm: designer Joseph Merwin partnered with the Hulbert brothers, who had financial ties to Hopkins & Allen, to produce revolvers that are widely regarded for their high-quality fit and innovative design. Their revolvers were manufactured at the Hopkins & Allen facility in Norwich, Connecticut, yet they featured the “Merwin & Hulbert” name, and many collectors consider them superior in both finish and mechanical precision compared to contemporaries. The company’s most famous series was the large-frame “Frontier” line, which progressed through four models: the First Model featured an open-top frame, scoop-fluted cylinder, and was usually chambered in the proprietary .44 M&H cartridge (sometimes .44 Russian); the Second Model added a longer trigger guard and improved cylinder locking; the Third Model introduced a top strap, 3/4-fluted cylinder, optional double-action, and optional folding hammer spur; and the Fourth Model featured a ribbed barrel, improved sight, and factory-interchangeable barrels of different lengths. Merwin & Hulbert also produced other models, including the “Pocket Army” with its distinctive bird’s-head “skull-crusher” grip for easier carry, medium-frame “Pocket” revolvers in .38 caliber, and smaller .32-caliber pocket revolvers.
Model: Third Model Frontier Army SA
Serial: 1561
Date of Manufacture: Approximately 1883-1887
Caliber: .44 Merwin & Hulbert
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Grips with Checkering
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Merwin & Hulbert & Co. was a short-lived but notable 19th-century American firearms firm: designer Joseph Merwin partnered with the Hulbert brothers, who had financial ties to Hopkins & Allen, to produce revolvers that are widely regarded for their high-quality fit and innovative design. Their revolvers were manufactured at the Hopkins & Allen facility in Norwich, Connecticut, yet they featured the “Merwin & Hulbert” name, and many collectors consider them superior in both finish and mechanical precision compared to contemporaries. The company’s most famous series was the large-frame “Frontier” line, which progressed through four models: the First Model featured an open-top frame, scoop-fluted cylinder, and was usually chambered in the proprietary .44 M&H cartridge (sometimes .44 Russian); the Second Model added a longer trigger guard and improved cylinder locking; the Third Model introduced a top strap, 3/4-fluted cylinder, optional double-action, and optional folding hammer spur; and the Fourth Model featured a ribbed barrel, improved sight, and factory-interchangeable barrels of different lengths. Merwin & Hulbert also produced other models, including the “Pocket Army” with its distinctive bird’s-head “skull-crusher” grip for easier carry, medium-frame “Pocket” revolvers in .38 caliber, and smaller .32-caliber pocket revolvers.
What set Merwin & Hulbert revolvers apart was their advanced extraction and barrel-removal system, which allowed the user to rotate the barrel and cylinder forward to eject spent cartridges while retaining live rounds, a feature uncommon for the period. Despite their quality, the company struggled financially, suffered a failed Russian military contract, and faced patent litigation over the “Baby Merwin”, which was a copy of the S&W Model 1. After Joseph Merwin died in 1888, the firm became Hulbert Brothers & Co. However, ongoing financial problems forced liquidation in 1896. Today, surviving Merwin & Hulbert revolvers are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, unique mechanisms, and historical significance.
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.
