Original Early U.S. Civil War Savage 1861 Navy Model .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver – Serial 1108 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice well-patinated service used condition 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 very nice early example, manufactured in mid 1861, made very early in production, probably the earliest we have ever seen. It bears serial number 1108, which is stamped on the underside of the barrel, and on the right side of the grip frame at the bottom. The markings on the cylinder and ratchet are not present, though we do not know if they were worn away or just never added. The grips are original but both have some wood graft repairs, which have most likely removed any portion that had a serial number marking.

The pistol is in lovely condition, showing a nice gently worn finish overall, and the markings on top of the barrel strap are still crisp and easily legible:

SAVAGE R.F.A CO MIDDLETOWN. CT
H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856
JANUARY 19 1859 MAY 15 1860

Overall the pistol is in nice condition, with an overall peppery patina on the metalwork, with no signs of major cleaning or restoration. It’s got a gently used look, probably having seen light to moderate use, and was properly cleaned after use. It functions perfectly, with crisp indexing and a strong cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we usually see on these. The cylinder chambers are in good shape, and all 6 cap nipple cones are still present, which is rare due to the strong hammer strike the pistol has. They do however show oxidation and wear from use, as well as mushrooming of the tips.

The bore is actually still in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some evidence of past fouling and light pitting, now cleaned away. We usually see these looking like stovepipes, so this is definitely well above average. The grips are very nice and good shape, both having been repaired long ago.

These are always hard to find, so now is your chance! Ready to add to your civil war collection and display!

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

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.

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.