Manhattan Navy

History of the Manhattan Navy

The Manhattan Firearms Company was formed in 1856 by a committee of merchants in preparation for the expiration of the Colt revolver patent that expired in 1857. However, production began immediately at the Manhattan plant in Norwich, Connecticut. In 1859, production moved to a new factory in Newark, New Jersey. Before the patent officially expired, however, Manhattan was engaged in the manufacture of other firearms whose patents had expiredprimarily single-shot revolvers and "pepper boxes" for striking.

When Colt's patents could be copied, Manhattan began to make money, offering versions of its famous Colt Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 pocket revolvers.

The Manhattan version was so nearly identical to the Colt product that the Colt company sued to stop its production. Still, Manhattan sold about 80,000 units before her operation ended.

Unlike the original Colt, the Manhattan Navy incorporated additional safety notches on the barrel, which became a staple in the years that followed. The Manhattan gun appeared in the American Civil War at a time when many other lesser-known guns also appeared - a requirement of war that required nearly every viable gun, and a requirement that companies like Manhattan were unaware of.

The Manhattan Navy revolver emulates many of the things that make the Colt revolver a fine gun. Sharp lines and curves are fluid, elegant and functional. Like previous Colt revolvers, and unlike competing Remingtons, the frame is essentially open. The barrel is octagonal, and the loading rod passes under the barrel, which holds the integral rammer against the cylinder chamber.

The grip is covered in fine walnut, and the cylinder is not grooved and sculpted like a colt. The hammer is covered with a handy spur for easy thumb or freehand operation. The curved trigger assembly is attached to an elongated brass trigger ring. The loading of gunpowder and projectiles was carried out through the front of the cylinder (5 or 6 shots, depending on the model).

Shock caps were manually attached to each chamber in the rear of the barrel. The hammer landed on the lid, providing the spark needed to ignite the gunpowder. A rear sight was added behind the muzzle.

Overall, the Manhattan Navy's revolvers performed well mechanically, thanks in large part to the original Colt design.

The Manhattan Navy has appeared in multiple series starting with the original Series I in 1859, of which over 4,000 were produced. Available series are differentiated by serial number and available barrel length, ranging from 4" to 6.5".

Series II appeared in early January 1860, with sales possibly as high as 10,000 copies, while Series III went live in September 1861 with sales of about 30,000 copies. The Series IV was first introduced in April 1864 with 24,000 examples, while the last Series V (with tapered loading bars) appeared with no fewer than 9,000 examples from June 1867.

Final production of the Series V continued until December 1868. Series I through IV are all five-shot revolvers, while Series V includes six-shot revolvers. However, all are ready. 36 bullet cartridges.

The Manhattan Company observed government contracts won by rivals during the American Civil War and chose to dominate the civilian market with their guns. That's not to say, however, that weapons copied from Manhattan were not made available to soldiers during the war, mostly through private purchases.

In any case, the Manhattan Navy revolver is a true rarity today, and there are very few diehard revolvers that fall under the spell of the series.

During the postwar period, Manhattan eventually turned to copying other gun designs, including Smith & Wesson. 22 is known as Manhattan's "Tip Up." All told, Manhattan's gun production is practically comparable to the powerhouses of Colt and Remington, with around 175,000 examples made. In addition to Manhattan's name, his guns bear the brand names "London Pistol Company" and "American Standard Tool".

In 1873, the company officially closed its doors.

Manhattan Navy Code

Basics

Years of Service

1859

Origins

United States

Categories

Revolver

Manufacturer

Manhattan Gun Company - USA

Operators

United States

Roll

Pistol/Pistol

Compact design for close work or general self-defense.

Action

Single action; repeat; percussion cover

Percussion Cover

The propellant ignition is triggered using the impact cap operating system; similar to children's cap guns, small explosive caps are placed on the nipples, which are driven by previously erected drop weights.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

. 36 balls

Circle/Feed

5 or 6 shot rotary cylinder

Variants

Series I - Production from 1859 to 1860; barrel lengths 4", 5", 6" and 6.5". Series II - Production from 1860 to 1861; 4", 5" and 6.5" barrel lengths. Series III - Production from 1861 to 1864; 4", 4.5", 5" and 6'5" barrels Lengths. Series IV - Produced from 1864 to 1867; barrel lengths 4", 4.5", 5" and 6'5".

Series V - Produced from 1867 to 1868; barrel lengths 4", 4.5" and 6.5"; tapered loading bars.