Manhattan Pocket Revolver
Manhattan Fire Arms Co. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1858
Also known as: Manhattan .31 Pocket, Manhattan Pocket Model, Manhattan Series II Pocket
Overview
The Manhattan Pocket Revolver was a compact .31-caliber cap-and-ball percussion revolver produced by the Manhattan Fire Arms Co. as a close copy of Colt's pocket revolvers, made after Colt's revolver patent lapsed in 1857. It featured an octagonal barrel, a loading lever, a roll-engraved cylinder, a brass trigger guard and backstrap, and a case-hardened frame with walnut grips. The earliest Series I guns carried a five-shot cylinder, while the later Series II models adopted a six-shot cylinder; both were offered with 4-, 5-, and 6-inch barrels. As an inexpensive, easily concealed sidearm, it was a popular personal-defense purchase in the years around the American Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 650 g (22.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 80 J (59 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 60 m (66 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .31 Caliber Round Ball (Percussion) · primary — also known as .31 cal ball, 31 percussion, .320 round ball
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Pins
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Roll Engraved Cylinder, Brass Trigger Guard, Loading Lever, Case Hardened Frame, Spur Trigger Guard Grip
Service history
Operators
- American civilians (private purchase) · adopted 1858
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Production years: 1858-1862
Manhattan Fire Arms produced roughly 175,000 firearms in total; the .31 pocket models made up a sizable share alongside the more numerous .36 Navy revolvers.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1862
Notes
Distinguished from the Navy model by its smaller .31 pocket frame and short octagonal barrel. Hammer safety pins between the nipples allowed the hammer to rest safely between loaded chambers. Manhattan also marketed second-quality examples under the 'London Pistol Company' name.
Background
Manhattan Fire Arms was founded by New Jersey businessmen specifically to capitalize on the impending expiration of Colt's revolver patent, openly imitating Colt's popular pocket and Navy designs.