pits, imperfections in engraving, irregular grip frame shape, and cylinder bolt screw extending through frame’s right side). These LONDON PISTOL CO marked revolvers were Manhattan’s means of utilizing and marketing second quality, sub-standard arms without impairment to their name. The result for the present-day collector is a variation more valuable, and far scarcer, than the finer quality production!
Total quantity estimated at a few hundred; serial numbers intermingled with Series I and early Series II. Variations are often seen on these “London” models exhibiting transitional and mixed features of both the Series I and II.
5 shot Series I type. Most often encountered. Serial numbers generally under 1000 with a few reported in the low teens:
| 5C-009 | Values—Good $425 | Fine $1,200 |
6 shot Series II type. Very Scarce. Serial numbers reported under 2000 range:
| 5C-009.5 | Values—Good $500 | Fine $1,400 |
Manhattan 36 Caliber Model Revolvers
36 Caliber Model Revolvers, a.k.a. “Navy Type”. Made c. 1859-68; total quantity estimated about 78,000. Produced in Newark, N.J.
36 caliber. 5- and 6-shot round cylinders roll engraved in five decorative oval panels with military and naval scenes. 4", 5", and 6-1/2" octagonal barrels.
One piece varnished walnut grips. Blued finish, with casehardened frames, hammers, and levers, and silver plated brass gripstraps.
Serial numbered from 1 on up. Barrel markings and variations as noted below.
Manhattan’s 36 caliber revolver series bears a close resemblance to the Colt Model 1851 Navy, and also to the Model 1849 Pocket. Close comparison of the Manhattan 36 to the Colt competition reveals that the former product featured its own advantages, and that fact is surely a major reason for the weapon’s considerable sales success. (Note: 6-1/2" barrels worth approx 25 percent premium.)
Series I 36 Caliber Model; serial range from 1-4200; 5-shot; barrel marking MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. NEW YORK. Note: The “1859” patent date does not appear on the cylinder. Premium placed on the first 1,000 revolvers, identified by the trapezoidal shaped cylinder stop slots (found below serial range 800), and thicker grips (below serial range 1000):
5C-010
| 5C-010 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
Elaborately engraved Manhattan 36-caliber “NAVY” revolver with handsome relief-carved ivory grips. (N. Flayderman & Co., c. 1995)
As above, but with 6" barrel (about 500 made, serial range below 1000):
| 5C-011 | Values—Good $675 | Fine $1,500 |
Series II: serial range about 4200-14500; barrel marking as above; 5-shot cylinder includes 1859 patent date marking:
| 5C-012 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
Series III; serial range about 14500-45200; barrel marking in one line: MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO. NEWARK N.J. 5-shot cylinder includes 1859 patent date. First appearance of the spring plate mounted on face of recoil shield is seen on an estimated few thousand early Series III under serial 21000 (worth premium) then discontinued and found later as standard on the series IV below:
| 5C-013 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
Series IV; serial range about 45200-69200; barrel marking in two lines: MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO. NEWARK N.J./PATENTED MARCH 8, 1864. 1859 patent date on 5-shot cylinder. Spring plate mounted on face of recoil shield, to prevent charge spreading from fired chamber:
| 5C-014 | Values—Good $425 | Fine $1,250 |
Series V; distinguished by its 6-shot cylinder. Serial range from 1 to 9000, in its own series. Barrel address and cylinder date marking as noted above for Series IV variation. Tapered type loading lever on all barrel lengths except 4". Spring plates (worth premium) may or may not be present. Production of Series V arms estimated from June 1867-December 1868:
5C-015
| 5C-015 | Values—Good $475 | Fine $1,500 |
Manhattan 22 Caliber Pocket Revolvers
22 Caliber Pocket Revolvers. Made c. 1860-61 (1st Model) and c. 1861-62 and 1868-1873 (2nd Model). A close copy in many respects of Smith & Wesson First Model 1st Issue and 2nd Issue type 22 revolvers. Total quantity made about 17,000; in Newark, New Jersey.
22 rimfire caliber. 3" octagonal, ribbed barrel.
Two piece varnished walnut or rosewood grips. Blued finish, with silver plated frame.
Serial numbered from 1 on up, in separate series for the First and Second Models. Two types of barrel marking, as noted under variations discussed below. Scroll engraving standard on side flats of the barrels.
Until production was halted by law suit, the Manhattan 22 caliber revolvers were not only well made, but they sold rapidly The company apparently had no fear of possible legal action from Rollin White or S& W, as apparent from open marketing, and the standard marking of company name and address appear on most of the pistols produced.
First Model, First Variation; rounded brass frame having circular iron frame plate, 7-shot cylinder, stop on frame topstrap, and the stop slots at breech end of cylinder; 6-groove rifling and barrel; usually not signed (when marked appears as on second variation noted below). Barrel latch overlapping side of frame bottomstrap and lower barrel lug. Approximately 1,600+ made:
5C-016
| 5C-016 | Values—Good $275 | Fine $675 |
First Model, Second Variation; as above, but with circular