The firm of Merwin, Hulbert & Co. was always looking forward and embraced progress. By the end of the 1870’s they realized a new design a solid Top Strap had replaced the Open Top design. This created a sturdier revolver frame and a safer concept. However, the Single Action mode of firing stayed ! This one is a very early production of the 2nd model, and still has the Orange Mottled hard rubber grips, which later became solid black. Serial No. 1549X is an outstanding example, and has endured 144 years in superb condition. It has 90%+ of the original factory nickel plated finish. the only loss, or dark spotting in the finish is in the cylinder flutes. The body of the revolver is 98%++. It even has the fire blue screw heads, still very obvious. The hammer still has slightly faded case colors. The trade mark Orange Mottled hard rubber grips are in spectacular fine condition, and retain most of the bright color with No damage.
MOST IMPORTANT: for Merwin’s are the pull, twist and eject mechanics to load and unload. This Merwin is 100% in ALL mechanical features, opening, closing, locking tight, loading, cocking indexing perfectly, tight and finally firing!!! A 100% Merwin, Plus ALL original parts, ALL matching Assembly Numbers 5286, and original Serial Number 1549X This Merwin Single Action Army is very early in top strap models, and was the new future of production beginning in about 1879-1880. It would be extremely difficult to find a better condition example, physically and mechanically.
