Guns International #: 101554378
Seller's Inventory #: CBP20-223

Category - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Civil War Revolvers

Category
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Civil War Revolvers

Civil War Period William Uhlinger .32 Rimfire Pocket Revolver ** Superb All-Original Example ** SOLD

Description:
An infringement on the Rollin White patent owned by Smith & Wesson, these sturdy well-made single-action rear-loading cartridge revolvers were made during the U.S.Civil War.  W. Uhlinger marketed these single-action revolvers under at least 3 different trade names other than his own during this time, or left the guns unmarked all-together except for a serial number.  Uhlinger did this to make the origins of his revolvers very hard to trace, making it very difficult for Smith & Wesson to file a legal suit against him.  The following names were all used at one time or another, "D.D.Cone Washington DC", "W.L. Grant", "J.P. Lower", and his own name "W.P Uhlinger Phila/Pa.".  An interesting note about the J.P. Lower name is that by 1875 J.P. Lower was a very well-known arms dealer in Denver Colorado, but when Uhlinger was using the name Lower was just a clerk working for a Philadelphia arms dealer named J.P. Grubb.  Because Uhlinger's Pocket Revolver was one of the first solid-frame metallic cartridge revolvers that was reliable and accurate, most of his firm's guns saw very hard use and very few have survived in any condition, much less in good working condition.  This unmarked example is the exception to the rule, as not only is it 100% original, but it is in very good condition and 100% functional.  This .32 caliber rimfire Pocket Revolver is serial number 2896 and has all-original parts, a 6" inch octagon barrel, and smooth Rosewood grips.  The factory original blue finish on the barrel and cylinder rate 60% to 70%, the factory silver plating rates 85%, and the bore is in excellent condition overall with sharp rifling throughout and only a few tiny spots of very light pitting.  The 6 chambers in the cylinder are equally as clean and free from damage.  All of the serial numbered parts are stamped-matching including the frame, barrel, cylinder, loading gate, and both grips. The factory varnished Rosewood grips are in exceptional condition, with both sides free from any cracks, chips, repairs, or major dings/damage.  The factory varnish is still glossy and bright, rating 98% plus.  Both grips are numbered to the gun on the reverse with the full stamped serial number.  As mentioned previously, this Pocket Revolver is in perfect working order with a smooth, precise action that is perfectly "in time".  The hammer has three nice loud clicks when cocking it, and both the safety notch and full-cock notch are intact and solid. The loading gate is still nice and tight (serial numbered on the edge), and even the factory original removable ramrod for clearing empty cartridges out of the cylinder is in-place under the barrel.  It uses a nipple on one end and a spring-loaded plunger to lock-in under the barrel with one end going into the face of the cylinder pin and the other end going into a lug mounted an inch and a half back from the muzzle.  As you can imagine, this piece was lost very easily and 99% of the examples you will see today are missing this part.  All things considered, this could very well be the best Uhlinger Pocket Revolver in existence.  It certainly is the nicest one we have ever had in 46 years of business.  If you are a fan of early cartridge revolvers or American Civil War weapons this William Uhlinger Pocket Revolver in .32 Rimfire would be a superb addition to your collection. It certainly would be one that would be nearly impossible to upgrade from.  This antique can be shipped directly to your home, no FFL needed.            

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: William P. Uhlinger - Philadelphia, PA.
Model: .32 RF Pocket Revolver
Serial Number: 2896
Condition: Very Good / Excellent
Metal Condition: Very Good / Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrel Type: Octagon
Action: Single Action Revolver
Finish: Silver Plated / Blued
Manufacture Date: 1860's Civil War