M1861 Whitney Revolver

[usmchomesteader]

Does anybody have any information on the history of the M1861 .36 cal Whitney Revolver? Is it a Colt or a Remington or neither? Tried several times researching the internet with little results. I recently purchased a replica used which was made by Palmetto. Seems to be in good shape and to have seen little use.

Thanks in advance for your help...Bob P.

 

[Robert an saa fan]

A bit more informaton might help us help you...

Are you saying your recently purchased replica is an 1861 Whitney replica? If yes, posting a picture(s), would also help.

I do not collect or study Whitney revolvers... think they were brass frame revolvers made during Civil War era... NOT a Colt or Remington. Hopefully others will post with more information.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Don]

Whitney's were niether Colt or Remington. The Spiller and Burr was a southern brass copy of the Whitney. It was a .36 cal and Sitting Bull had one or so I have read.

Don

 

[Bon Sauvage]

For good information on Whitney revolvers I recommend that you take a look at, 'FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS...and their values.' If you live in a town of any size you can probably find a copy in your local library should you choose not to purchase one.

 

[Robert an saa fan]

Good response Ogre! :bow:


Brain freeze for me in first response.

:surrender: :rotf:

 

[Zonie]

You can follow this link to Spiller & Burr, the maker of the Confederate Copy of the Whitney.
Spiller & Burr
FLAYDERMANS GUIDE gives a very extensive history of the company which includes "No other American gun maker produced such a broad range of arms over as many historic and important eras as did Whitney. The name appeared on weapons of many models and styles from the earliest American flintlocks to lever action repeating rifles and included a host of handguns..."

The Whitney pistol that is being reproduced in Italy is patterned after the Second Model "Whitney Navy & Eagle Co." revolver.
This gun was an improved reinforced version of the First Model.
Says FLAYDERMANS GUIDE "The Whitney Navy is among the first practical solid frame revolvers and was an early competitor to the Colt..."

The Whitney Navy was produced after 1857 when Colt's patent ran out and production continued thru the Civil War.
It was purchased by both the Union Army and Navy as well as several States.
The total production of both models and their various "types" was about 33,000.
zonie

 

[xxgrampa]

greetings robert
have a few of the original whitneys in .36. these look like a remington with the top strap.

whitney was not against making a buck. one of my whitneys is a confederate gun. the guns they shipped down south didn't have a name on them. just a serial num. other than that, it was just like the northern gun.

..ttfn..grampa..

 

[usmchomesteader]

I want to thank all of you for your assistance in finding out a little of the history of this revolver. I am very impressed with both the number of responses and their timeliness. This is a great forum and I know I will learn a great deal over the years to come. I have not shot this pistol yet but will be doing so in a few days and will let you know how it shoots.

Semper Fi . . .Bob Paine