Guns International #: 103099007

Category - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Handguns - American Revolvers

Category
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Handguns - American Revolvers

Antique Rare Civil War Era /  Merwin & Bray Front-Loading .42 cal (Cup Fire) Army Revolver

Description:
Description:
Antique Rare Civil War Era /  Merwin & Bray Front-Loading (Cup Fire) Army Revolver

Merwin & Bray Firearms Co. – Plant’s Manufacturing Co. 3rd model , type 1 Army  Revolver
Circa 1864–1868 | .42 Caliber Cup-Primed | 6-Shot | Front-Loading SN: 3199

 General Description:
Type:         Antique Army Revolver
Caliber:    .42 Cup-Primed Metallic Cartridge
Capacity:  6-Shot Cylinder
Loading:   Front-Loading (proprietary cup-primed cartridges)
Barrel:       6" Octagonal with Rib
Action:      Single Action
Trigger:     Spur trigger

Condition: very good condition shiny bore with a couple tiny spots of pin-prick pitting and showing very strong rifling throughout. 
Mechanically works excellent with very good timing and lock-up. Hammer holds in half and full-cock positions with a strong hammer spring. 
The ejector rod is missing for the cylinder.   To remove the cylinder you remove the cylinder pin , pull the hammer back slightly , not in half cock and the cylinder will fall out. Replace the same way careful not to catch the cylinder hand lever. 
The metal surfaces are in very good condition . The revolver still retains most of the original bluing on the barrel and cylinder. All barrel and cylinder markings are clear and legible. The frame still retains a modest amount of the original silver plate with the exposed brass developing into a warm ochre patina.  Square-butt rosewood grips in very good condition with minor handling marks. A very small crack on the left grip which runs from the grip screw to the top of the frame. Grips are numbered to the gun

Markings:

• Side of Barrel:  MERWIN & BRAY.NEW.YORK
• Top of Barrel:   PLANTS.MFG.CO.NEWHAVEN.CT
• Cylinder:           PAT. JULY.12.1859. JULY.21.1863

Historical Context:

• Total Production: Approx. 6,100 units
• Era: American Civil War & Reconstruction (1864–1868)
• Use: Privately purchased and carried as a personal sidearm by civilians and Union officers
• Design Note:   Developed to circumvent the Smith & Wesson Rollin White patent by using a front-loading cylinder with non-reloadable metallic cartridges.
• Rarity: Unique cup-primed front-loading system with limited total production
• Condition Highlights: Original rosewood grips, attractive aged patina, legible cylinder patent dates
• Historic Appeal: Civil War private-purchase weapon; iconic transitional revolver bridging percussion and metallic cartridge eras
• Display Presence: all original with matching numbers , distinct octagonal barrel and brass frame with aged silver traces – very appealing to collectors of early American firearms.
•  

As a collector's piece,  Merlin & Bray Firearms Co. Front loading Revolver,  holds historical significance due to its association with an influential figure in American firearms history and its representation of mid-19th-century firearm design and innovation. Its unique markings and features make it a desirable item for enthusiasts of antique firearms and collectors of historical artifacts. 
This gun is and Antique and ships direct to the buyer with FREE SHIPPING INCLUDED and custom display case.
Payment can be made with a personal check, money order, Venmo or Zelle .
 
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .42 RF
Manufacturer:   Plant's Manufacturing
Model:    Third Model Type 1 Army revolver
Serial Number:   3199
Barrel Length:  6”

Price: $950.00

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Plant's Manufacturing
Model: 3rd model Army
Serial Number: 3199
Barrel Length: 6