Make: Manhattan Arms Co.

Model: Series III .36 Caliber Revolver

Serial Number: 55920

Year of Manufacture: 1861-1864

Caliber: .36 Caliber Ball

Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball, Black Powder Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO. NEWARK N.J.” The underside of the frame, barrel assembly, trigger guard and backstrap are marked “55920”.

Barrel Length: 6 ½” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a curved blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece smooth walnut grip. Marks are visible and a cluster of compression marks are present on the butt. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition 

Type of Finish: Blue Barrel and Cylinder, Case Colored Frame, Silver Plated Brass Trigger Guard and Backstrap

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is viable. There is erosion in the bore. The bore rates 6/10 in this writer's opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 1% of its metal finish. Remnants of bluing remain on the barrel and the bare metal has developed a natural patina. Patches of surface erosion are present at the muzzle and at several spots on the barrel, along with scattered pin prick erosion. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This is a 5-shot, single action revolver. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes in a wooden presentation case. It does not display any Manhattan Arms markings, so it is uncertain whether or not the case is original to the pistol, though it appears to be period correct. The surfaces exhibit scratches and marks in the finish, but no major marks. The brass fittings and hinges show a natural patina. The inside of the lid has a Manhattan label. The box is velvet lined and divided into compartments with velvet lined wooden partitions. The box is in Very Good condition as an antique. The case contains an assortment of typical accessories. A steel cap tin, bullet mold, screw driver, powder flask, and balls. 

Our Assessment: With the expiration of the 1836 Colt patent on revolving cylinders containing multiple chambers looming on the horizon in the late 1850s, many pistol manufacturers prepared to offer a similar product of their own as soon as they possibly could. The Manhattan Arms Company would produce a wide variety of percussion pistols, culminating in the .36 caliber Manhattan Navy models, of which about 78,000 were manufactured. Manhattan Arms never received a military contract, but their pistols did see service during the Civil War, purchased by affluent soldiers because it was reliable and lighter weight than the Colt Army model.

This is a Series III, which was manufactured between 1861 and 1864, the serial numbers on all major parts match, 1% of the original finish remains, and markings are legible. The wear patterns indicate that this was a working pistol which was well maintained. The bore is in good shape. The action works correctly and the pistol rates in Very Good condition as an antique. The pistol comes in a period correct wooden case with a typical assortment of accessories. All together this is a fantastic collector’s piece.