Original U.S. Civil War Savage Navy Model Revolver – Early Production Serial #362 – Rare 1861 “Figure Eight” .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a superb and completely honest example of the Savage Navy Model Revolver, a six-shot, .36 caliber percussion revolver manufactured only during the American Civil War. Produced between 1861 and 1862 by the Savage Revolving Firearms Company of Middletown, Connecticut, a total of approximately 20,000 revolvers were made — making this one of the scarcer primary-issue sidearms of the war.

Unlike many contemporary handguns adapted from civilian designs, the Savage Navy was purpose-built for military service. Its innovative “figure-eight” double-trigger system made it instantly recognizable. The lower ring trigger served both to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder, while the upper trigger fired the weapon. This allowed for rapid firing without manually cocking the hammer — a remarkable feature for its time.

This example is an early 1861 production revolver, bearing serial number 362, clearly stamped on the right side of the frame beneath the grips. The top of the frame retains sharp and fully legible markings:

SAVAGE R.F.A. CO. MIDDLETOWN, CT
H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17, 1856
JANUARY 19, 1859 MAY 15, 1860

Overall, the revolver presents in very good condition, showing a rich plum-brown patina across the metal surfaces — the perfect appearance of a revolver that genuinely saw service but was well cared for. The mechanical condition is excellent: the action is tight, the cylinder indexes properly with a strong lockup, and all six percussion nipples remain intact — a rarity on these robustly struck examples.

The bore remains very good, with  rifling visible along its length and only light frosting. The original walnut grips are solid, showing only light handling marks and no cracks or repairs.

This is an exceptionally well-preserved early production example of one of the Civil War’s most distinctive sidearms. The Savage Navy revolver’s unique double-trigger design and short production run make it an essential addition to any serious collection of U.S. martial handguns.

A fine, 100% original, and highly desirable early 1861 Savage Navy Model Revolver, ready to display in even the most advanced Civil War collection.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1861
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the Savage 1861 Model .36 Cal -

The Union purchased just fewer than 12,000 of these initially at $19.00 apiece for use by its cavalry units. Savage Navy revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Wisconsin U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiments, and 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry while the State of Missouri issued 292 Savage revolvers to its Missouri Enrolled Militia units.

The remaining revolvers were purchased by private means and shipped to the Confederacy for use with the 34th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (Witcher's Nighthawks), the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Rebels), 11th Texas Cavalry, 7th Virginia Cavalry (Ashby's Cavalry), and 7th Missouri Cavalry. The United States Navy also made a small purchase of 800 Savages during 1861 for use on its ships.

The Savage-North revolver is a direct descendant of the Savage & North Figure 8 Model Revolver and the Alsop revolver sharing many similarities with both arms. Alsop was also located in Middletown, CT. and three members of the Alsop family served on the Savage Revolving Firearms Company board of directors. Therefore, the relationship between the two companies and the two weapons was more than coincidental.

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