BEAUTIFUL, RARE PLANT’S PATENT MERWIN AND BRAY REVOLVER

$975.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2022-2431

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This “Army” pattern revolver was manufactured in an obscure .42 caliber, firing an exclusive “cup primed” cartridge. Approximately 8,000 of these pistols were produced during the mid-1860’s by Plant’s Manufacturing Company of New Haven, Connecticut.  Plant’s Manufacturing Company was financed by Merwin and Bray, who served as the primary sales agents of the business venture meant to capitalize on the unprecedented demand for weapons during the Civil War.

This model is rare in that it features a very robust brass frame that was much stronger than its most direct competition – the “Old Army #2” revolvers made by Smith and Wesson.  The .42 caliber was also considerably more powerful than the Smith Army’s diminutive .32 rimfire cartridge.  The unique cartridge is a “cup” design - fully self-contained in a metallic case that featured an inverse cup that acted as the primer for the cartridge.  The revolver’s hammer extended into the cup of the cartridge case, making direct contact with the round to ignite and fire.  The cartridges were front loaded, similarly to a cap and ball style but utilizing a patented loading mechanism that would slide the rounds into place rather than strictly ram them (as seen on cap and ball pistols) and held securely in each cylinder chamber by a modified and patented design.

This is an example of the 3rd Model Merwin and Bray revolver, with a 6 shot cylinder.  The 3rd model was intended as their “Army” offering and traded a thinner steel frame for a thicker and more attractive brass frame – an effort to circumvent any possible patent infringements and avoid lawsuits from Smith and Wesson specifically.

The cylinder is faintly marked “Patented July 12, 1859 and July 21, 1863”, the top flat of the barrel is stamped “PLANT’S MFG. CO. NEWHAVEN, CT”, the left side of the barrel is stamped “MERWIN AND BRAY NEW YORK”, and the serial number “2633 is stamped on the brass grip frame at the butt of the pistol’s boot grip.  Considering that serial numbers for this model started at 700, this is obviously an early pistol in the range of 8,000 “army” models made during the war.  The overall length of the barrel is just over 5” when measured to the threads that secure it to the frame, and the overall length is just over 11” from muzzle to the rear of the grip.  The steel parts have lost most of their original bluing but remain smooth with a very light patina.  Timing is great and lockup is tight.  The patented loading lever assembly operates as new.  The walnut grips are a nice, deep shade of walnut brown and are secured by a single flat screw.  The bore could be characterized as somewhat dull, which is typical of guns of this age, but the rifling is strong and prominent.  There are minor “dings” on the left of the brass frame between the hammer assembly and notch-style trigger.  All told, there is no tarnishing or excessive pitting, making the overall condition quite nice.

This is an uncommon but very accessibly priced Civil War revolver that would make a lovely addition to any Civil War collection.  These pistols could be found among thousands of officers and servicemen in the ranks - if you already own the more common pistols of the war and want to add some of the more obscure types of weapons used, this is an essential piece that deserves your attention.  [cm][ph:cm/L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

 

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