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NICE WHITNEY NAVY REVOLVER

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The most famous and easily recognized Whitney revolver is his Navy Model.   This revolver came on the scene just prior to the Civil War.  An improved second model was developed as the War began and sales increased as Whitney worked to market his revolver.  This is a nice example of his Navy Model is 36 caliber with a standard barrel length of 7 5/8 inches.   The term “Navy” referred to the caliber and size of the revolver.  These revolvers were purchased by both the US Army and Navy.

Approximately 35,500 Whitney Navy revolvers were manufactured, including about 1,500 of the First Model and approximately 34,000 of the Second Model.  Both models went through a few improvements, resulting in four “types” of the First Model; and five “types” of the Second Model. Whitney used a unique cylinder scene that included a Shield with half of it being the US Stars & Stripes and half being the English Coat of Arms.   Facing the shield on either side was an American Eagle and England’s Trafalgar Lion.  This scene covered one side of the cylinder and was duplicated on the other side.   Later, one side of the cylinder was replaced with a Naval scene with an American Shield with a ribbon across the shield.  On the ribbon is written “Whitneyville”.

Whitney obtained a contract with the US Army in 1862 and provided about 7,602 revolvers through 1863.  The Army also obtained Whitney revolvers through other private vendors as well, resulting in over 10,000 Whitney Navy revolvers being used by the Army.   The US Navy purchased 6,226 Whitney revolvers during 1863-1865.   About 50% of the 34,000 Second Models were purchased by the Army & the Navy.

This example is a .36 caliber Navy model, with serial number 11269.  The pistol is in a nice condition, with a bright finish.  All exterior metal is smooth, save for some light dents and dings in a few of the sharp edge areas of the barrel and some localized spots of minor oxidation. The flat top of the barrel was stamped with the Whitney manufacturing roll mark, but it has since worn away.  A patina is beginning to form in some areas, giving this pistol a nice, period look.  Much of the cylinder scene has worn away, though some of it can still be seen.

All mechanics work well including the timing and lockup.  The bore is somewhat dull, but the rifling is still fairly strong - typical of pistols that have seen use.  The crown is clean and free of damage and the loading lever operates as designed.

The grips are in nice condition with some minor imperfections, but the wood is a smooth, deep, walnut color secured by a flat grip screw.

All told, this would be a great addition to any Civil War collection, with documentation suggesting that this pistol was one of the pieces purchased by the Federal Government for use during the Civil War.  [cm][ph:cm]

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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