~ Manhattan Arms Navy .36 Cal Percussion Colt Style Revolver ~
The Manhattan is a type of revolver produced by the Manhattan Firearms Company during the mid-19th century. The revolver was designed in a style similar to the popular Colt revolvers of the time, specifically the Colt Navy revolvers.
Here’s a general description of the Manhattan Arms Navy .36 Cal Percussion Colt Style Revolver:
The design closely resembled the Colt Navy revolvers, featuring a steel frame, a revolving cylinder that could be loaded with multiple rounds, a single-action trigger, and a loading lever that allowed for easy loading and unloading of the cylinder. The barrel length is 4 inches.
Our example is serial numbered 39721 on all its major components.
History:
The Manhattan Firearms Company was a firearms manufacturer based in Newark, New Jersey, during the mid-19th century. The company was established in the 1850s and produced a variety of firearms, including revolvers that were similar in design to those produced by Colt. The company’s revolvers were known for their quality and affordability, making them popular choices for civilians and sometimes even military use during the American Civil War.
The Colt Navy revolvers, particularly the 1851 Colt Navy, were highly successful and widely used during the 19th century. Many other firearm manufacturers attempted to capitalize on their popularity by producing similar designs. Manhattan Arms Navy revolvers were one of these attempts, aiming to offer a comparable firearm at a potentially lower price point.
However, due to the competitive nature of the firearms market and Colt’s dominant position, Manhattan Arms and other Colt-style revolvers struggled to gain the same level of recognition and market share. As a result, the Manhattan Arms Company and similar manufacturers eventually faded away as Colt and other established companies continued to dominate the industry.
Today, original Manhattan Arms Navy .36 Cal Percussion Colt Style Revolvers are considered collectible firearms and can be of interest to firearms enthusiasts, historians, and collectors of antique weaponry.
