Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this AWESOME single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Phelps Eagle I Revolver!
The Phelps Manufacturing Eagle 1 is an exceptionally rare and impressively massive revolver, built on an oversized frame specifically engineered to handle the tremendous power of the .444 Marlin rifle cartridge—a chambering almost unheard of in a revolver. Produced in extremely limited numbers by the short-lived Phelps Manufacturing Company, surviving examples are scarce, and few collectors have ever encountered one in person. The sheer size, weight, and engineering required to safely fire such a high-pressure round make the Eagle 1 one of the most formidable handguns ever created. Your example, bearing the ultra-low serial number 55, places it among the earliest and most desirable pieces from this already minuscule production run. For collectors of powerful revolvers, obscure manufacturers, or unique engineering achievements, an Eagle 1—especially one with such a low serial number—is a remarkable and seldom-seen prize.
To give some perspective on how truly massive this revolver is, we have compared it to a Smith & Wesson 19-2 with a 4" barrel in pictures 6, 7, and 8.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Phelps Manufacturing
Model: Eagle 1
Serial: 55
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Finish: Blued / Plum
Barrel Length: 12"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Phelps Manufacturing Eagle I chambered in .444 Marlin is one of the most unusual and ambitious big-bore handguns ever produced. Manufactured by the small and short-lived Phelps Manufacturing Company beginning around 1978, the Eagle I was designed to give shooters and hunters a revolver capable of harnessing the tremendous power of a straight-walled rifle cartridge. At a time when large-caliber revolvers were still evolving, Phelps attempted to break into the big-game handgun niche by creating a platform strong enough to handle the ballistic performance of the .444 Marlin—a cartridge originally introduced in 1964 that routinely delivers rifle-level muzzle energy exceeding 2,900 foot-pounds. Built with a robust frame and strong single-action design, the Eagle I offered hunters a rare combination of portability, precision, and sheer power, making it a true standout in the world of specialty handguns. Today, the Eagle I is regarded as a rare and highly collectible firearm, largely because Phelps Manufacturing operated for only a short period and produced relatively few examples before ceasing operations in the mid-1990s. Surviving revolvers are prized by collectors who appreciate unconventional engineering, niche ballistic capability, and the historical curiosity of a revolver chambered for a heavy straight-wall rifle round. With its limited production, extreme power, and distinct place in American handgun development, the Phelps Eagle I remains a fascinating and increasingly scarce artifact—one that appeals strongly to enthusiasts of big-bore revolvers, hunting handguns, and unique firearms that pushed the boundaries of what a revolver could be.
Contents:
Model: Eagle 1
Serial: 55
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Finish: Blued / Plum
Barrel Length: 12"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Phelps Manufacturing Eagle I chambered in .444 Marlin is one of the most unusual and ambitious big-bore handguns ever produced. Manufactured by the small and short-lived Phelps Manufacturing Company beginning around 1978, the Eagle I was designed to give shooters and hunters a revolver capable of harnessing the tremendous power of a straight-walled rifle cartridge. At a time when large-caliber revolvers were still evolving, Phelps attempted to break into the big-game handgun niche by creating a platform strong enough to handle the ballistic performance of the .444 Marlin—a cartridge originally introduced in 1964 that routinely delivers rifle-level muzzle energy exceeding 2,900 foot-pounds. Built with a robust frame and strong single-action design, the Eagle I offered hunters a rare combination of portability, precision, and sheer power, making it a true standout in the world of specialty handguns. Today, the Eagle I is regarded as a rare and highly collectible firearm, largely because Phelps Manufacturing operated for only a short period and produced relatively few examples before ceasing operations in the mid-1990s. Surviving revolvers are prized by collectors who appreciate unconventional engineering, niche ballistic capability, and the historical curiosity of a revolver chambered for a heavy straight-wall rifle round. With its limited production, extreme power, and distinct place in American handgun development, the Phelps Eagle I remains a fascinating and increasingly scarce artifact—one that appeals strongly to enthusiasts of big-bore revolvers, hunting handguns, and unique firearms that pushed the boundaries of what a revolver could be.
Contents:
This example will ship with 175 Rounds of .444 Marlin and the Hornady reloading dies as pictured above! Note: Ammunition will ship separately from the firearm, and this auction does not include the Smith & Wesson 19-2, as it was used for display purposes only.
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.
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.




