This is an example of a very rare early Savage & North, Second Variation of the First Model, "Figure 8" percussion revolver that was one of 250 manufactured like it between 1856-59, and one of only 100 purchased and inspected by the U.S. Ordnance Department. This early Savage & North revolver has a brass frame, chamfered gas-seal chamber mouths, and early type ramming lever that identify it as a Second Variation First Model Figure 8 revolver. The revolver has the distinctive Figure 8 shaped trigger guard and cocking lever. Using the operators middle finger, the cocking lever is pulled between each shot to advance the six-shot cylinder, automatically cocking the hammer. A truly historic engineering marvel for the time, with surviving examples few and far between. The octagon barrel has a brass cone front sight; a dovetail mounted rear sight is located on the top strap. The top barrel flat is marked "SAVAGE. MIDDLETOWN.CONN./H.S. NORTH PATENTED. JUNE 17th, 1856." (faint) in two lines. Serial number "24" is marked on the left side of the grip frame, left of the ramming lever, bottom of the barrel, back of the cylinder, left side of the hammer, trigger guard, cocking lever, and hand numbered underneath both grips. Assembly number "10" marked on various parts as well. The back strap has a prominent spur. The revolver has two-piece walnut grips both with very faint remnants of cartouches on the outside grip panels only visible under bright light. "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspector marks underneath both grips and on the left grip frame.

Good. The iron surfaces have a mottled brown patina with some light scattered spotting, patches of light pitting, and traces of original blue showing through. The brass frame has a pleasant aged patina. Grips are fair with some period handling marks, wear, and light crazing near the bottom edges. Mechanically fine, with a slightly weak ramming lever catch. Early 'Figure 8' Savage & North revolvers are seldom encountered in any condition, with this example martially inspected!