This is an exceptional example of a factory engraved Merwin Hulbert, large frame, single action revolver that was manufactured circa 1876-1880. This Third Model revolver has a square butt, top strap and scooped cylinder flutes. This deluxe model revolver has a nickel-plated finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard. The revolver is fully engraved with the distinctive Merwin Hulbert engraving. The engraving consists of intricate, punch-dot floral motifs and features a stag engraved in a panel on the left side of the frame. The revolver has two-piece ivory grips with the right grip relief carved with the Mexican eagle and serpent motif. The revolver butt is fitted with a lanyard loop. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the elongated one-line, Merwin Hulbert legend with 1874-1877 patent dates. The left side of the barrel is engraved "THE HOPKINS & ALLEN Manufacturing Co. Norwich. Conn. U.S.A." in a panel with scalloped borders. "CALIBRE 44 M.H. & Co." is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame below the cylinder. "17968" is stamped on the bottom of the butt. The rear face of the barrel and the cylinder are numbered "8211".

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% plus of the original nickel plated finish. The nickel plating on the barrel and frame show very little wear. The nickel plated finish in the cylinder scoops shows some flaking. The engraving is extremely sharp. The barrel and frame markings are crisp. The casehardened finish on the trigger guard and sides of the hammer has faded to a gray-brown patina and the trigger guard has some light surface rust. The relief-carved ivory grips are in very fine condition. The ivory has yellowed slightly from age and has some very minor stress lines present near the screw escutcheon. The details of the relief carved eagle and serpent motif are sharp. This is an attractive, totally original example of a deluxe Merwin Hulbert Third Model large frame single action revolver from the Old West!