Make: Plant's Mfg Co.

Model: 3rd Model, Brass Frame

Serial Number: 5935

Year of Manufacture: 1860-1866

Caliber: .42 Cal

Action Type: Cup-Fired, Single Action, Spur Trigger Revolver

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a v-shaped notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece walnut panels with brass reinforcement rings around the grip screw holes and a varnished finish. There are scattered handling marks. There is a small chunk removed from the bottom front of the right grip. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Silver Plated Brass Frame, Blued Barrel & Cylinder

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few intermittent spots of erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% plus of its finish. There is thinning and finish loss on most of the edges. The brass frame retains most of its silver plating. There is mottled patina and oxidation on a majority of the blue with light general erosion. In the correct lightning, the original blue is vibrant on the barrel between the oxidation. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The screwheads display tool marks but the slots remain strong and serviceable. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear save for the left side of the barrel which have somewhat faded. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some side-to-side movement. The timing is good. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its installed Cup-Fire cylinder, a Percussion Conversion Cylinder, cap tin, brass black powder flask, two cavity bullet mould, cleaning rod, and a cartridge box with 3 Cup-Fire .42 Cal cartridges.

Our Assessment: This Plant’s Manufacturing Company Third Model revolver, produced between 1860 and 1866, represents a fascinating and transitional chapter in American percussion revolver development during the Civil War and immediate postwar era. Chambered in .42 caliber and built on a silver plated brass frame, this six inch spur trigger revolver reflects the inventive period when manufacturers experimented with alternative ignition systems, including the distinctive cup fire system employed here. The German silver front sight, blued barrel and cylinder, and compact profile illustrate the balance between utility and refinement that characterized Plant’s later production revolvers.

Condition remains notably strong for an antique of this type, with much of the original silver plating intact on the brass frame and visible original blue remaining beneath areas of oxidation. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, and the action functions correctly with good timing and a crisp trigger. The walnut grips show honest wear consistent with age, and the inclusion of both the cup fire cylinder and a percussion cylinder, along with period accessories and cartridges, significantly enhances the historical completeness of the set. Overall, this is a well preserved and well accompanied example of a scarce Civil War era revolver design that highlights the experimental spirit of mid 19th century American arms making.