Dixie RelicsDixie RelicsOffered here is an EXCELLENT condition example of a Model 1873 Merwin, Hulbert & Company "Large Frame Single Action Army” Revolver . The "Single Action Army” was introduced in 1874 and remained in production through the 1880’s. It is not clear exactly how many were produced, due to an erratic serial numbering system and an 1891 fire that destroyed all of Merwin, Hulbert & Company records. It is believed that only a few thousand of the revolvers were produced. This is a 3rd model gun, with a top strap and traditional cylinder flutes, and is made with the Single action trigger mechanism. The right side of the frame is marked in two lines below the cylinder:, Below the cylinder: CALIBER / WINCHESTER followed by a much larger 1873 , indicating the revolver is chambered for the .44 Winchester Center Fire cartridge (also known as the .44 WCF or .44-40). The top of the 7” round barrel is marked: MERWIN HULBERT & CO. New York, U.S.A. Pat.Jan 24 Apr21 Apr 16 74 Dec 15 74 Aug 3 75 July 11 76 Apr. 17, 77.May. 6 77.: The serial number 9423 is present on the right side of the exposed "skull cracker” portion of the bird’s head grip. Like the majority of Merwin & Hulbert arms, the gun is assembly numbered on the major parts. In this case the frame under the grips and the rear of the cylinder are numbered 9423 . The rear of the barrel web is numbered 9423 .. Overall, the revolver retains about 99% of its nickel finish.. The overall condition of the revolver and its finish is clearly indicated by the photos below. The bore of the revolver rates about EXCELLENT and is mostly bright with crisp rifling. The bore is excellent I do not believe it was ever fired. The hammer retains about 90%+ vivid case hardened colors, with some minor fading and light edge wear noted. The trigger guard retains a similar amount of case coloring, which is most evident on the wider web portions at the front and rear where the guard meets the frame of the revolver. The revolver is mechanically excellent and the single action mechanism works flawlessly. The revolver cycles, indexes, times and locks up perfectly. The locking system of the revolver works flawlessly as well, with the forward portion of the frame, barrel and the cylinder unlocking, rotating and sliding smoothly forward as they should. The revolver mechanism still retains strong "suction”, with the action drawing itself closed about halfway after it has been opened and released. The mechanism locks the gun up securely, exactly as it should. All of the screws remain crisp and sharp with practically no slot wear. The innovative sliding loading gate functions smoothly and opens and closes exactly as it should. The two-piece, black hard rubber grips are in equally EXCELLENT condition, with no breaks, cracks, chips or repairs. They still retain crisp checkering and fit the frame perfectly. Overall this is a really EXCELLENT condition example of the scarce and popular Merwin, Hulbert & Company Single Action Large Frame Army Revolver . The revolver is in the most popular and desirable caliber, .44-40 and has a great 7” long 3rd Model round barrel. These large frame, long barrel Merwin & Hulbert revolvers saw use by the good, bad and the ugly during America’s westward expansion and are an important part of old west firearms history. Every serous collection of pistols from the American west needs at least a couple of Merwin & Hulbert revolvers in it, and this one would be a great addition. Over the last few years the prices of Merwin & Hulbert revolvers have steadily increased, as has their desirability and popularity. Very high condition examples of the large frame revolvers are commanding higher and higher prices every day, and often result in strong competitive bidding at auctions. This is a great chance to add a wonderful condition Merwin & Hulbert Large Frame Single Action Army to your collection for a very reasonable price. Until about 2 decades ago, these revolvers were underappreciated and even today they remain undervalued. With Colt Single Action Army revolvers in this condition regularly bringing high four to low five figure prices at auction, I don’t think it will be long before the much rarer Merwin & Hulbert guns start to give the Colt Action’s a run for their money in the value department. Don’t miss your chance to own an exceptional quality Merwin now, before the prices double over the next few years.