Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the Savage Navy Model, a six shot .36 caliber revolver, which was made from 1861 until 1862 with a total production of only 20,000 guns. This unique military revolver was one of the few handguns that was produced only for Civil War use. Its design was based on the antebellum Savage-North "figure eight" revolver. The Savage Navy had a unique way of cocking the hammer. The shooter used his middle finger to draw back the "figure 8" lever and then released it forward to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder.

This is a great very early example, manufactured in mid 1861, this was made just after the first 25% of of production. It bears serial number 6394, which is neatly stamped on the underside of barrel, under the wooden grips, and on the rear of the cylinder. That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, and it's a nice one! There is also number 114 stamped in these places as well, possibly an assembly number.

The upper frame stamping is still partly clear and reads-

Overall the pistol is in very good condition with traces of past pitting, and a nice worn gray patina, with no sign of refinishing. It functions nicely, with good indexing and cylinder lockup, though it definitely can be finicky, as these revolvers were known to be due to the complex action. The cylinder and chambers are crisp, though the nipple cones are all partly broken, as the hammer tension is strong. The barrel still shows rifling, with a mostly bright finish. There is wear to the lands, so this is definitely a revolver that did see service. The original grips are also in good shape, without any repairs, cracks, or major dents. They have a lovely worn look with a great color and grain pattern.

These are always hard to find, especially in this very nice condition, now is your chance! Ready to add to your civil war collection and display!

History of the Savage 1861 Model .36 Cal-

The Union purchased just fewer than 12,000 of these initially at $19.00 apiece for use by its cavalry units. Savage Navy revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Wisconsin U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiments, and 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry while the State of Missouri issued 292 Savage revolvers to its Missouri Enrolled Militia units.

The remaining revolvers were purchased by private means and shipped to the Confederacy for use with the 34th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (Witcher's Nighthawks), the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Rebels), 11th Texas Cavalry, 7th Virginia Cavalry (Ashby's Cavalry), and 7th Missouri Cavalry. The United States Navy also made a small purchase of 800 Savages during 1861 for use on its ships.

The Savage-North revolver is a direct descendant of the Savage & North Figure 8 Model Revolver and the Alsop revolver sharing many similarities with both arms. Alsop was also located in Middletown, CT. and three members of the Alsop family served on the Savage Revolving Firearms Company board of directors. Therefore, the relationship between the two companies and the two weapons was more than coincidental.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1861
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.