E Whitney N Haven revolver

[Deuce&Quarter]

Good evening, I am looking for some information on a revolver that I inherited from my grandfather. Not ancient-one, but my grandfather on the other side. I should have asked Graydon, but I guess I hadn't thought about it before he passed.

I have found some information online, but not enough to figure out an approximate date of manufacture. This revolver is stamped E Whitney N Haven. It is a 5 shot and I believe cap and ball black powder revolver. The only serial numbers I can find are on the bottom side of the barrel and on the push rod. Those numbers that I can clearly see are A766 and 7667. I removed the grips, but found nothing underneath there except a large X. If anyone can point me in the right direction to find out more information on it, I would appreciate it. I'm interested to know the value, but I have no intention of letting it go. I would really just like to know more of the history of it. It's probably the oldest item in my house.

 

[Protocall_Design]

It might be Eli Whitney of cotton gin fame, and New Haven, Connecticut.
I'm just guessing, I don't know much about older guns.

 

[swagmeister]

If you can find contact information for Daniel E. Williams who wrote the book The Whitney Navy Revolver, I bet he can help you with info. Although his book is mainly about the full size Whitney Navy Revolver, I bet he can help you with the compact model. I think I read somwhere, but not sure about this, that one of Eli Whitney's son started the firearms manufacturing business. They also made long guns. Good luck.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'm also not an expert, but I believe your revolver was fabricated by the Whitney Armory, New Haven CT. At that time, the Whitney Armory was actually operated by Eli Whitney's son, Eli Whitney Jr., who took over the factory in 1842. The Armory made percussion rifles for the US military, and actually made the famous Colt Walker revolvers for Samuel Colt. After the Colt contract, Whitney returned to manufacturing his own revolvers. They are well known for their Civil War Whitney Navy Revolvers (after renaming his company the Whitney Arms Company), and continued making arms until 1888.

Your "E Whitney N Haven" is a percussion cap & ball black powder revolver, probably .36 caliber, ca. 1850's-1860's. Barrel length is most likely original and designed for the commercial market. That's about all I know. An online search may get you some additional information. Good luck.