Original U.S. Civil War Scarce E.A. Prescott .38 Rimfire Brass Frame Single Action Navy Revolver - Matching Serial 25

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a first for IMA: a Civil War Single Action Navy Revolver made by Edwin A. Prescott of Worcester, Massachusetts. These were originally developed in the hopes of getting military contracts, much like virtually every other arms maker in New England at the time. With a brass frame and easily removable cylinder, these .38cal revolvers might have been popular, however their use of a bored-through cylinder was a clear infringement of the Rollin H. White patent licensed by Smith & Wesson, who even during the war was actively defending the patent. As such, only a few hundred of these revolvers were ever made, making every example extremely rare! 

At 12 inches long with a 7 inch barrel, the revolver features a 6 chamber cylinder and functions in single action only. It still retains a relatively clear maker address marking on the top of the octagonal barrel:-

E. A. PRESCOTT, WORCESTER, MASS.
PAT’D OCT. 2, 186

This very nice example is in lovely condition, and is marked with very low serial number 25 on the bottom of the barrel, on the grip frame, on the inside of both grip scales, on the cylinder arbor pin, and even on the front of the cylinder (faint). That makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The pistol metalwork shows a lovely worn patina of age, showing a lovely gray color on the iron and steel components, while the brass frame has a lovely "mustard" colored patina. We do not see any of the original bluing remaining, but there is no major pitting or other damage on the metal. The walnut grip scales are in very good shape, looking to have been refinished, though the right scale does have a chunk missing from the front toe, and there is a repaired crack on the rear running from the bottom to the frame.

The revolver not only looks great but it is in tight fully functional condition, with a strong hammer pull, solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. Really a great tight action! The cylinder removes easily by pulling the arbor pin. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is a bit of past oxidation and fouling, but for a black powder revolver from the Civil War, it is exceptional.

A lovely example of a very scarce E.A. Prescott Navy Revolver, the first that we have ever had! We are unlikely to have another any time soon!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1861-1863
Caliber: .38cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.