Offered for sale is a Merwin Hulbert & Company 2nd Model Pocket Army .44-40 Caliber Revolver. It is estimated that only several thousand of these unique handguns were manufactured for Merwin, Hulbert by Hopkins and Allen. A truly advanced design far ahead of its time and probably better than any other revolver design of the day including the Colt, Remington and Smith & Wesson companies with whom it competed. To operate, the hammer is placed at half cock and then the latch in front of the trigger guard is simply slid to the rear so that the entire barrel/cylinder group rotates to the side. It can then be pulled forward to eject all shells simultaneously as the case rims are ingeniously held in the recoil shield behind the cylinder. Further, by then pressing inward on the spring loaded lever on the left forward side of the frame, the entire barrel and cylinder can be slid off the frame for cleaning. Reloading is simply accomplished by sliding down the loading gate on the right side of the frame and inserting fresh loaded cartridges. This model was designed for hard service and includes an all steel projection of the solid frame which doubles as a little finger rest as well as a “skull crusher/steel knuckler” for hand to hand fighting. This feature also made the Pocket Army popular with lawmen who often were called to break up fights or subdue miscreants without using lethal force. The revolver is correctly marked “CALIBRE 1873 WINCHESTER” indicating this big six shot revolver was chambered for the popular and powerful .44-40 cartridge of Winchester Model 1873 fame. The revolver shows a heavily pitted nickel finish. The walnut grips show very good condition, absent of cracks or chips. Mechanically, the revolver shows good condition. This revolver was manufactured in the 1880's. Serial Number: 5586. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.