Factory Engraved Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Large Frame Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory Grips

Description:
A highly desirable early-production Merwin, Hulbert & Co. “Army Revolver,” this large-frame single-action revolver represents one of the most innovative and collectible competitors to Colt’s legendary Single Action Army. Chambered in .44-40 W.C.F. and richly engraved in classic Merwin, Hulbert & Co. style, it offers strong Old West appeal, mechanical interest, and standout display value for advanced collectors.

• Manufactured from 1876 into the 1880s, during the classic American frontier revolver era
• Known as the Merwin, Hulbert & Co. “Army Revolver”
• Large-frame, single-action revolver design
• Chambered in .44-40 W.C.F., also marked as “CALIBRE / WINCHESTER” and “1873”
  • This caliber was especially popular in the American West because it could be paired with a Winchester lever-action rifle in the same cartridge
  • Similar in appeal to Colt’s “Frontier Six Shooter” models chambered for .44-40
• Historically significant as one of the most innovative competitors to Colt’s prolific Single Action Army “Peacemaker”
• Built with very robust construction and designed for quicker unloading and reloading than Colt’s Peacemaker
• Particularly collectible due to Merwin, Hulbert & Co.’s role as a major Colt competitor that was ultimately out-marketed and out-manufactured
• Early-production configuration with desirable period features:
  • Open-top frame
  • Scooped cylinder flutes
  • Sliding loading gate
  • Bird’s-head butt
  • Lanyard ring / lanyard hole on the butt
• Near full-coverage engraving in the typical Merwin, Hulbert & Co. style
  • Engraving consists primarily of punched shapes forming vine patterns, floral motifs, and geometric designs
  • Circular engraved vignette on the left side of the frame featuring a dog’s head
• Barrel markings:
  • Top of the barrel has the standard one-line Merwin, Hulbert & Co. address and patent dates
  • Left side of the barrel has the Hopkins & Allen address
• Frame marking:
  • Left side of the frame marked “CALIBRE / WINCHESTER” and “1873,” identifying the revolver as .44-40 W.C.F.
• Serial number location:
  • Serial number is marked on the right side of the bird’s-head butt
• Matching assembly number:
  • Assembly number “1109” appears on the left side of the grip frame
  • Matching “1109” also appears on the rear face of the cylinder
  • Matching “1109” also appears on the rear of the barrel lug
• Sights:
  • Integral blade front sight
  • Integral notch rear sight on the frame, positioned just in front of the hammer
• Fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips
• A standout collectible for enthusiasts of Old West sidearms, engraved 19th-century revolvers, Merwin, Hulbert & Co. firearms, and historically important Colt competitors

Condition

Very fine, retains 90% plus of the original nickel finish, traces of original case colors in sheltered areas of the trigger guard and hammer, and 30% of the original nitre blue on the trigger with a few scattered patches of mild handling wear, some light pitting at the breech end of the barrel, and crisp engraving. The grips are very good with a period repair on the left panel, some age lines, and attractively aged tone overall. Mechanically functions.

Handgun Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF)
Manufacturer: Merwin Hulbert & Co
Model: Army
Serial Number: 2088
Barrel Length: 7 inch round
Condition: The bore is frosted with some light pitting and visible rifling.

Price: $8,499.99