Second Model .22

[rta72]

Hi!

Found this one, made by Manhattan Firearms Mfg Co. First I thought that it was one of those Patent infringements that S&W sued and settled that those would be made and sold under S&W brand with stamping something like "Made for Smith & Wesson"?

But this was a plain copy that was not sued by s&w or anything like that? Nice engravings, brass frame, steel barrel. Made between 1861-1862?

Found this site for information.

GuideCartridge

Worth of bidding on?

[rta72]

Actually found a whole chapter on Manhattan Firearms Mfg Co on Flayderman's Guide.

Apparently the .22rf revolvers were direct and well made copies of the S&W Model 1. Flayderman's mentions the production was continued until halted by lawsuit. So I guess that was in 1862 by Rollin White/Smith & Wesson? Production was continued in 1868 when the Rollin White patent expired 1869 and continued until 1873.

The also made copies from Colt's revolvers, but seems those had some own patents of theirs although those look just like Colt's revolvers (and that seems to been the idea).

[BMur]

I don't like to talk trash about antiques. I like them all. I just want to share my experience with this manufacturer? I've followed Manhattan's for a while. Only because they look a lot like Colt 51 Navy's and their Pocket models. Also their look a like 22's with Smith & Wessons. Some of their variations are elaborately engraved and show very nice. Especially if found in a gutta percha case?
However, the market value on these for the past Oh, 30 years or so hasn't seen much improvement. I mean, maybe they are a "sleeper"? but they've been asleep for a very long time now.

Murph

[rta72]

I've been trying to find a Model 1 for a while and this came up. Interesting story and nice engravings on the revolver frame and cylinder. But price may end up too steep for me. It's now $550 and estimates $700 to $900.

Maybe just wait for a S&W Model 1?

Flayderman's talked about the cases being extremely rare on Manhattan's. Even if it's marked Manhattan Firearms... it might be fake made from some other companys (S&W?) case.

[first-model]

As BMur said, there is a section of Flayderman's book dedicated to the Manhattans, and it does a pretty good job of enumerating the variants.

Yes, they were one of the manufacturers that got targeted during the Rollin White infringement lawsuits.

Interestingly, most of the Manhattan Model 1 knockoffs that I see are engraved. I don't know who they were working with for the engraving, but that person must have been prolific. There were a lot of the Manhattan guns produced.

As for value ... I see nice ones fetch in the $400 to $800 range, give or take depending on the day. My gut feeling is that most of the Model 1 genre pocket pistols from that era are underpriced right now, but that doesn't mean that they'll appreciate any time soon. I suspect as the larger frame Colts and S&W's continue to creep up in value, more collectors will turn o the smaller guns.

A respectable S&W Model 1, 2nd Issue should go for $300 to $400 ... so if you're breaking into this field on a budget, you might wait for one of those instead. Manhattans aren't that uncommon and can usually be found.

Mike