Guns International #: 103057810
Seller's Inventory #: 250136

Category - Marlin Revolvers - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

Category
Marlin Revolvers
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

Very Nice WILD WEST Antique MARLIN XXX Standard 1872 .30 RF POCKET Revolver Spur Trigger “Suicide Special” Pocket Revolver

Description:
Very Nice WILD WEST Antique MARLIN XXX Standard 1872 .30 RF POCKET Revolver

Spur Trigger “Suicide Special” Pocket Revolver

Here we present an antique Engraved Marlin XXX Standard 1872 Pocket Revolver, made circa 1872-87 in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the first in a series of four Standard Model revolvers. The earlier models featured a 3-1/8” barrel, while the later ones measured 3”. There were both round and octagonal barrel variations, with all barrels ribbed and tip up for loading. They came with a plated brass frame and nickel plated barrels. Their bird’s head grips were either rosewood or hard rubber.

This variant features a round-ribbed barrel and short cylinder flutes. About 5,000 of these revolvers were produced. The revolver bears much resemblance to Smith & Wesson’s pioneer top-hinge cartridge revolvers. These were designed to be carried in a pocket for self-protection in a self-reliant 19th Century America. Firepower was 5 shots of .30 caliber rimfire.

It was not until 1948 that the term “Suicide Special” was coined and proliferated by Duncan McConnel in his article for the NRA’s American Rifleman. 10 years later in 1958 Donald Blake Webster published his book about them, Suicide Specials. There were quite literally dozens of companies making these at the end of the 19th century, curiously being “trade named” all sorts of things, for example: Defender, Blue Jacket, Red Jacket, Electric, Smoker and many more! They are typically rimfire and have the spur trigger, much like their progenitor the S&W No. 1 Revolver. Though they do not have the name recognition of Colt’s, Smith & Wesson and Remington, they still represent a period in American history and present an opportunity for collectors with relatively minimal investment.

Though this nice little spur trigger was made somewhere around 10 years after the close of the Civil War, handguns like this were commonly privately purchased by soldiers for use on the battlefield. Whether legend or fact, it is interesting to note something commonly read about pocket revolvers of the day: that while they could be used for self-defense against the enemy, many soldiers kept them on their person to defend themselves against an unwanted amputation in the primitive field hospitals that were notorious, even in their day.

The overall condition is fine. Original nickel finish. Excellent action. Both grips are in fine shape with minimal handling evidence. Sharp markings. The bore is bright with nice rifling.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 3 inches.

Caliber: .30 Rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1300

#250136
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $1,300.00
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