Pocket Model revolver manufactured by the Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., in Newark, New Jersey, circa 1859. This transitional revolver has the scarce combination of Series I and Series II features that include: Series I five-shot cylinder with ten cylinder stops and two-line barrel marking and Series II large oval trigger guard, large grips and 1859 patent markings. The barrel lug, sides and back of the frame and back strap and bottom of the trigger guard are decorated with well-executed Germanic scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The hand engraving was a standard feature on Manhattan Pocket Model revolvers. The barrel, cylinder and frame have a blue finish and the hammer and loading lever are casehardened. The revolver has two-piece grips. The cylinder is roll-engraved with a detailed stage robbery scene. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS/MANUFG.CO.NEW.YORK" in two lines in a rectangular panel. The underside of the frame is roll-stamped: PATENTED/DEC. 27. 1859" in two lines. The serial number "252" is stamped: (1) on the underside of the barrel, (2) on the rear face of the cylinder, and (3) on the right side of the butt underneath the grips. "252" is written in pencil on the inside of the right grip. The wedge is numbered "596". The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the hammer spur has border-less knurling. The Manhattan Firearms Co., produced an estimated total of 4800 Series I and Series II Pocket Model revolvers between 1858 and 1862. Transitional Models, like this example, which have Series I and Series II features are rare and especially desirable.

Fine. The revolver retains nearly 40% of the high polish blue finish on protected areas of the barrel and frame. The cylinder has traces of blue finish; the balance has a gray patina. The cylinder scene is very sharp and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show minimal flash pitting. The case colors on the hammer and loading lever have faded to an even dove-gray. The good quality hand engraving is sharp. The grips are excellent with very light age discoloration and minimal age cracking. The action functions perfectly. This is a fine example of a rare, high quality, Manhattan Transitional Pocket Model revolver.