Collectors and shooters who appreciate late 19th-century American revolvers will find this Merwin Hulbert specimen a compelling combination of historical features and practical integrity. It represents an early era of revolver design with distinctive loading and locking elements that tell a clear story of period engineering and workshop practice.

MERWIN HULBERT & CO. MEDIUM FRAME SPUR TRIGGER S.A. DOG HEAD GRIP

Overview

This lot, Serial No. 4057 (circa 1870s), is a .38CF with a 3 1/2″ round ribbed barrel and offers a compact, medium-frame presence typical of transitional single-action revolvers. Barrel marking shows the Hopkins and Allen address, and the frame is stamped “Merwin Hulbert & Co./ New York U.S.A.” The opposite side is stamped “.38 CAL.” Priced at $1,195.99, it’s positioned for the serious collector who values original configuration and provenance. Shop this product

Distinctive Features

Early Production Details

This example retains early-production cues: an exposed cylinder pin and a semi-circular cutout on the recoil shield for loading—details that distinguish Merwin Hulbert practice from later enclosed-pin designs. The action indexes and functions correctly with a tight lock-up, indicating robust internal timing and wear management despite age. (AH8595)

Barrel, Bore, and Grip Notes

The 3 1/2″ round ribbed barrel shows frosting and pitting visible in the grooves, though rifling is present—important for anyone considering preservation over restoration. Light surface flaking is visible, mostly on edges, consistent with genuine surface oxidation on 150-year-old steel. The dog head grips are in excellent condition and remain one of the visual focal points; original grips of this style significantly increase desirability among collectors.

Collector and Practical Considerations

For a curator or shooter-restorer, the combination of original stamps, loading cutout, exposed cylinder pin, and intact dog head grips makes this revolver a coherent artifact rather than a mixed restoration. The .38CF chambering is historically common for pocket and civil-defense revolvers of the era—adequate for study, display, and cautious demonstration firing when performed by qualified gunsmiths.

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How to Buy

This piece is listed at $1,195.99 and is offered through our shop page where clicking will take you to the merchant’s purchase flow. For provenance tracking and to confirm current availability, follow the product page link below. Purchases go through the retailer and their checkout process. Check current availability

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