Description:
This is a Whitneyville Model 2, six shot revolver in .32 Rim Fire, with 5” barrel, solid frame, and birdshead, rosewood grips. The bore is a mix of pits and good rifling, with the good predominating. It is in working condition, but loose, and fails to lock up every time. It is cased in a vintage display box with a mirror top on the inside and sailing ship on the outside. It holds the pistol and fifteen .32 rim fire cartridges. It is an early one of the more scarce six shot revolvers, serial number 58.
Research finds the following information: The production of cartridge revolvers started about 1871, most with brass frames. The Model 2 Whitneyville (actually manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut) was produced circa 1875. About 17,000 were made: 15,000 five-shot and 2,000 six-shot. The company was then owned by Eli Whitney, Jr., and it was a continuation of the firm started by his father, Eli Whitney, of cotton gin fame and promoter of interchangeable parts.
Whitney, Sr., started making guns with a contract from the War Department to produce 10,000 to 15,000 muskets in 1800. Undoubtedly the most remarkable, if still least known, effort of the Whitneyville Armory was the production of 1,000 Walker Revolvers as a subcontractor for Samuel Colt. A very short time after the closing of his Paterson, New Jersey facility, Colt received an order for 1,000 pistols for use by mounted soldiers in the Mexican War. Colt assigned his entire contract to young Eli Whitney, Jr.s' company. Although this was the era that gave birth to robber barons and cut-throat business tactics, Whitney produced the Walkers and turned over all dies and equipment to Colt when Sam opened his factory in nearby Hartford. Unlike other manufacturers, Whitney never infringed on any of the Colt patents, yet managed to produce eight distinct models of percussion revolvers between 1850 and 1865.
We take VISA or MasterCard for an additional 4% fee. Will consider trade for U.S gold or silver coins at spot value.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
.32 (other)
Item #:
981716416
Stock No.:
RD.32RF058
Location:
CO
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: Priority, insured.
Prices are generally firm, but some trades are excepted for partial payment. Cashier's Checks are the preferred method of payment (over $1000.00) , USPS Money Orders (under $1000.00). No PayPal. Foreign sales are possible with proper customs brokerage, payment (usually credit card) and shipping arrangements. We will ship to California (which is almost a foreign country!) Layaway is possible for items priced over $2000, with payments including 1/3 down, 1/3 at 30 days and final payment with shipping at 60 days. Shipping is generally USPS Priority, insured. Shipping amounts quoted may be changed to the exact cost if requested, and overseas shipping will be charged on specific individual item shipping cost.
With two partners, I own Pawnee Sportsmens Center LLC, near Fort Collins, Colorado. We have rifle/pistol ranges, 1000-yard range, 3-gun, cowboy action shooting, trap and skeet, and upland game bird hunting. I primarily deal in Lever Action Winchesters and Colt Single Action Army revolvers. We have some Colt and Winchester parts, and I manufacture the Columbia Precision Tang Peep Sight for lever guns and some single shots. If you Google Columbia Precision, you can get to my direct email
