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ОглавлениеChapter V-C
Manhattan Firearms Company
The collecting of Manhattan firearms is an excellent—if not classic—case of having a published work on a previously unexploited field open new vistas for the collector and consequently precipitate an immediate alteration of values. The pioneer work Manhattan Firearms by Waldo E. Nutter, published in 1958, was important from dual viewpoints. As one of the first in-depth studies about a then-obscure arms subject, it received wide circulation from a major publishing firm in a field where almost all prior books had covered the more traditional subjects of collecting, i.e., Colts, Smith & Wessons, U.S. martial arms, etc. As such, the Nutter book represented the beginnings of the thirst for wider knowledge in all aspects of antique American arms. Manhattan Firearms also made available to the average collector a neatly categorized and itemized pattern for collecting guns that could be simply understood and followed by the average arms enthusiast, including the dealer and gun trader.
Prior to the book’s publication, Manhattan arms enjoyed but a limited following and rather insignificant values for the great majority of specimens. There being no guidelines to follow, and the average collector having no idea what constituted a rarity as distinguished from a common specimen of Manhattan, these arms suffered a general lethargy in their collectible status. Immediately upon release of the Nutter book, there was a noticeable change in values and demand for Manhattan firearms and they have enjoyed a far greater and ever-increasing popularity in the collecting world; unquestionably their status had been elevated considerably. Published data had created both a demand and market for a specialized collecting area.
The several models and variations of Manhattan firearms offer the collector an excellent opportunity to assemble an impressive arms group, and not a few collections of significant proportions have been formed in recent years. But as with other fields, small nuances often play important roles in value. The collector, when encountering pieces that are unlisted herein, is urged to research the variances himself in order to assess the importance of them before hastily evaluating a specimen.
A basic check to be made on Manhattan 36 caliber Navy type revolvers is the verification that all serial numbers on major component parts are matched. On this model, as with Colts, serial numbers appear externally on all major parts. As similarly applicable to Colts, a mismatched number does not make a gun less of a collector’s item, but it does make it less valuable. Very minor pieces such as a barrel wedge should not affect value at all; a mismatched number on a loading lever will detract from the value, but if the condition matches the gun it will do so only slightly, probably ten percent or less. Information concerning this subject appears in the Colt chapter and is worth reading for the Manhattan collector also.
The U.S. Ordnance is known to have purchased one small order for 36 Manhattan revolvers (caliber unknown) in late 1861, very possibly at the request of an individual regiment commander, there being no recorded contract. As there is every likelihood that such guns were not martially marked, extreme caution should be exercised should such a specimen be offered. Those guns in 36 caliber and considered “Navy” size are classified by collectors as a secondary martial handgun. A number of such pieces were privately purchased and carried by officers and men of both the Army and Navy during the Civil War. A few presentation and inscribed specimens have been observed in well known collections. Such inscribed or marked pieces, when authentic, are considered quite scarce in this field and their values are enhanced considerably.
Fancy, highly embellished Manhattans are occasionally encountered. The engraving on the 36 caliber Navy size is often identical to the style found on Colts of the period and a few exceptionally elaborate or very ornate specimens are known. All models of Manhattans may be found with grips other than the standard walnut, with ivory being the most often encountered. Fancy grips, if original to the gun and if in sound and complete condition, add a premium to the normal value of the gun. The reader is referred to Chapter II for further information on this subject.
Cased outfits are quite rare in the Manhattan line and very few are known. The collector should be wary of jumping to conclusions by the mere presence of a Manhattan in an original antique case with accessories. A number of cases used by other American makers will fit various models of Manhattans. But our statement regarding rarity of such cases should not lend stimulus to the opportunist to place Manhattans in other makers’ cases to increase their value disproportionately. It has been found in the author’s experience that a cased Manhattan, even though far rarer than a cased Colt, would not be increased to any greater degree in value than any other cased gun unless some special feature, e.g., a label or other unique identifying Manhattan device, were found in the case to prove that it was distinctly Manhattan! The presence of a “Manhattan Firearms Company” marked bullet mold in a case is also not in itself sufficient to identify the case as being Manhattan-made. Such bullet molds, although scarce, are quite often observed on the collectors’ market and were evidently sold with the gun, but not necessarily with the case.
These arms, despite the impressive name and address marking of MANHATTAN and NEW YORK CITY, were never manufactured in that city or for that matter in that state. A thumbnail sketch of the company’s history should prove of interest for the collector and help understand the sequence of their evolution and manufacture.
The expiration of Samuel Colt’s master patents for the revolver in 1857 signaled the opening of the flood gate for competitive firearms. Among the most significant of these new products were those of Manhattan Firearms Manufacturing Company. Many of their guns hold special interest because of their close similarity to the Colt (e.g., the 31 caliber Pocket Model and the 36 caliber Belt or “Navy” Model). Unlike Colt, Manhattan’s output came to be accepted primarily by the civilian market, and sales to the military were limited to private purchases by individual officers or enlisted men.
The company was founded, mainly by a group of New Jersey businessmen, and incorporated in New York City in 1856. Their first manufacturing facilities were in Norwich, Connecticut, where the single shot percussion pistols and pepperboxes were made, and possibly the earliest manufacture of some of their 31 caliber percussion revolvers. Thomas Bacon, later to found his own well know firm in Norwich, was superintendent of manufacturing at Norwich and evidently also acted as private contractor for some of the parts supplied to Manhattan.
Manhattan’s first firearms were classified for later historians in a legal case tried before the New London County, Connecticut, Supreme Court of Errors, in 1859, entitled MANHATTAN FIREARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY VS. THOMAS K. BACON. The text of this intriguing document, published in the Nutter book, Manhattan Firearms, offers interesting details of the arms then being manufactured by Manhattan as well as insights to the company’s early business history.
In 1859 manufacturing facilities were moved to Newark, New Jersey, where they remained for the duration of the company’s existence. Manhattan’s corporate history lasted somewhat less than 20 years. In that time, the company made over 150,000 handguns varying from single shot percussion pistols to pepperboxes to pocket and Navy size percussion revolvers, to metallic cartridge revolvers. Some of their production was issued bearing trade names other than their own such as HERO or the LONDON PISTOL COMPANY.
Successor to the Manhattan firm in 1868 was the American Standard Tool Company, also of Newark, New Jersey. American Standard lasted five years, forced out of business in 1873 during the great fina¬ncial panic of that year. Its product line was far more restricted in the arms field than its prolific predecessor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nutter, Waldo E. Manhattan Firearms. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Company, 1958. Pioneer work on the subject and the basic guide in its field.
Manhattan Bar Hammer Single Shot Pistols
Bar Hammer Double Action Single Shot Pistols. Made c. 1856-late 1850s; total quantity estimated about 1,500. Production in Norwich, Connecticut.
31, 34, and 36 calibers. Barrel lengths from about 2"-4"; and of half round, half octagonal shape.
Two piece walnut grips of bag shape. Blued finish.
Serial numbers in lots, possibly based on barrel lengths, and in sequences from 1. Standard marking, on left side of the hammer: MANHATTAN F.A. MFG. CO./NEW YORK. Frame engraving standard. The Bar Hammer Single Shots are of importance to the collector for their scarcity, and their position as the earliest of Manhattan company products:
5C-001
| 5C-001 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $550 |
Manhattan Shotgun Style Hammer S.S. Pistols
Shotgun Style Hammer Single Action Single Shot Pistols. Made c. 1856-late 1850s; total quantity estimated about 500. Production in Norwich, Connecticut.
36 caliber. Barrel lengths about 5"-6"; half round and half octagonal in shape.
Two piece walnut grips of bag shape. Blued finish.
Serial numbers do not indicate quantities manufactured but were rather batch or manufacturing numbers—hence almost all found will have low numbers. Standard marking: MANHATTAN F.A. MFG. CO. NEW YORK.
Decorative engraving on the frame was standard.
Identified by the centrally pivoting shotgun style hammer, the relatively large overall size, and the presence of front and rear sights. This model is one of the scarcest of Manhattan firearms:
5C-002
| 5C-002 | Values—Good $250 | Fine $600 |
Manhattan Pepperbox Pistols
Pepperbox Pistols. Made c. 1856 to late 1850s; total quantity of various types estimated at from 2,500 to 3,000. Production in Norwich, Connecticut.
28 caliber (often described as 31). Barrel lengths usually of 3", 4", and 5"; number of shots varies, as indicated below. All models were double action.
Two piece walnut grips of bag shape. Blued and casehardened finishes.
Serial numbering believed to be based on the number of shots, and the barrel lengths, and appear in various series. Standard marking, first found on the barrels, and later on left side of the hammer: MANHATTAN F.A. MFG. CO./NEW YORK. Not all specimens bore this legend; later specimens dropped the address. CAST STEEL on barrel. Standard with frame engraving. Three-Shot; 3" barrel group; hand turned; very scarce:
| 5C-003 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
Five-Shot; 3", 4" or 5" barrel group; turned automatically when trigger pulled, a standard feature of all models excepting the Three-Shot:
5C-004
| 5C-004 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $975 |
Six-Shot; 3" or 4" barrel:
5C-005
| 5C-005 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $975 |
Six-Shot; 5" barrel; the scarcest of all Manhattan pepperbox pistols:
| 5C-006 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
Double Action Pepperbox
An unusual and unique variant of an American pepperbox as well as rare Manhattan. The single specimen viewed had a serial number that would indicate about 40 or 50 were made. 6 shot; 31 caliber. large oversize trigger bow to accommodate the double action trigger. Most unusual features are the nipples which are set in straight line with the 4" barrels (much like Blunt & Syms pepperboxes; q.v.). Hammer almost flush fitted at top of bold scroll engraved frame operates with a rolling motion.
Marked on barrel rib MANHATTAN F.A. MF’G CO. PATENT APPLIED FOR:
5C-006.5
| 5C-006.5 | Values—Good $1,750 | Fine $4,500 |
Manhattan Pocket Model Revolvers
Pocket Model Revolvers. Made c. 1858-1862. Total quantity of the two series about 4,800. Produced in Newark, New Jersey.
31 caliber. 5- or 6-shot cylinders, with roll engraved stagecoach holdup scene. Barrel lengths of 4", 5", or 6"; octagonal in shape; value premium placed on 5" and 6" lengths.
Two piece walnut grips. Blued finish, with casehardened hammer and loading lever.
Serial numbered from 1 on up, beginning with the First Series, and continuing to completion in the Second. Scroll engraving standard on the frame.
These Pocket Model revolvers offered some features which were patented and original with Manhattan, but basically they counted on their similarity to the Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver for sales appeal. It was however rather unusual to find a mass produced repeating handgun on which hand engraving was a standard feature. Specimens known with transitional features of both series and worth premium.
Series I Pocket Model; 5-shot cylinder, with 10 cylinder stop slots. Small size trigger guard and grips. Patent date not present on frame, and the barrel marked: MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS/MANUFG. CO.NEW-YORK. Serial range from 1 to about 1000. Three examples of an unusual variant of this Series I have been identified with 5-shot, plain, unengraved cylinders having only five stop slots; all with serials under 500 (including an engraved and presentation-inscribed model). Rare and worth premiums.
5C-007
| 5C-007 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,000 |
Series II Pocket Model; 6-shot cylinder, with 12 cylinder stop slots. Large size trigger guard and grips. Marked on frame: DECEMBER 27, 1859, and on barrel in one line: MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS MF’G.CO.NEW YORK. Frames and gripstraps usually plated. Serial range from about 1000 to about 4800:
5C-008
| 5C-008 | Values—Good $350 | Fine $950 |
Manhattan/London Pistol Company Variation
London Pistol Company variation, made by Manhattan. Percussion revolver made during the period of the Series I and early Series II Pocket Model Manhattans (q.v.), and differing from those arms as follows: Barrel marking LONDON PISTOL COMPANY, frame stamping (beneath cylinder) PATENTED DEC. 27, 1859, and various defects evident (e.g., casting 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 brass frame plate, 3-groove rifling, marking on barrel (in an arc motif): MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS/MANUFG./CO/N.Y. Serial range about 1600+ to about 4800:
| 5C-017 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $550 |
First Model, Third Variation; as above, but having hammer spur curving gracefully to the rear and somewhat downward. Serial range about 4800 into the 7000s:
| 5C-018 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $550 |
First Model, Fourth Variation; as above, but the barrel latch no longer overlaps forward section of frame bottomstrap. Serial range from the 7000s to about 9000+:
| 5C-019 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $550 |
Second Model; flat brass frame fitted with large oval sideplate, chambered for 22 long cartridge (and thus having longer cylinder; measuring 15/16"), 7 shots, stop on frame bottomstrap, and the stop slots at front section of cylinder, roll engraved cylinder (Indian and settler motif), barrel marking on the top rib: MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS MF’G. CO NEW YORK, and 1859 patent date on bottom. Total production about 8,000:
5C-020
| 5C-020 | Values—Good $200 | Fine $475 |
Variant; believed made by Manhattan; plain, unengraved and unmarked revolver with serial number under 400. Its rarity not completely established, but a decided variation:
| 5C-021 | Values—Good $150 | Fine $350 |
American Standard Tool Co. revolver; substantially identical to the Manhattan marked type but with barrel marking: AMERICAN STANDARD TOOL CO. NEWARK, N.J.Approximately 40,000 manufactured. The standard model was plain and undecorated. Engraved specimens however are quite commonly encountered and they do bring premium values over the standard model:
| 5C-022 | Values—Good $175 | Fine $400 |
Manhattan/American Standard Hero S.S. Pistol
Manhattan Fire Arms Company and American Standard Tool Co., Newark, N.J. Hero Single Shot Pistol. Made c. 1868-73 (possibly earlier); total quantity about 30,000.
34 caliber. Round, screw off, smoothbore barrels in various lengths with 2" and 3" most commonly encountered.
Two piece varnished walnut grips, of bag shape. Blued with brass frame left bright, and casehardened hammer.
Manhattan product made without serial numbers, but numbers present on the American Standard pistols. Markings noted below.
Known as the “poor man’s deringer” the Hero pistol was believed to be Manhattan’s last percussion firearm and thought to be brought out in their last year of existence (1868). Recent evidence tends to show that date might have been earlier. The Bacon Mfg. Company (see Chapter VIII-A for history) apparently made a similar, if not identical, pistol that appeared in an advertisement by them c. 1861. Numerous unmarked Hero pistols may possibly be the product of Bacon or even Iver Johnson; values for completely unmarked specimens usually slightly less.
The American Standard Tool Co., successor of Manhattan, was set up to manufacture firearms and to make tools. It lasted only from 1868 to 1873. Pistols occasionally encountered marked only HERO without company markings are valued the same as the more common American Standard type (see also “Uncle Sam” 7C-038.5).
Hero pistol by Manhattan Fire Arms Co.; without serial numbers and with HERO/M.F.A. CO. marking; total made about 5,000:
| 5C-023 | Values—Good $250 | Fine $500 |
Hero pistol by American Standard Tool; bearing serial numbers, and marked A.S.T.Co/HERO. Barrels also made in 2-1/2" length. Total made about 25,000:
| 5C-024 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $450 |
5C-023
(*) Preceding a title indicates the book is currently in print.
