In this lot is featured a Whitney Arms Company Model 1 ½ .32 Rim Fire Revolver. These fine pocket revolvers were manufactured from 1871 – 1879. All were serial numbered and this example has the very early, low number of 1116. It is estimated that only about 15,000 of these revolvers were manufactured. This one was special ordered with ivory grips. The antique ivory is in fine condition and has mellowed to a lovely aged creamy-yellow patina. The serial numbers match on the cylinder pin, cylinder and brass frame. The 3 ½” octagon barrel is correctly marked “WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY CT. U.S.A.” Metal surfaces are a smooth aged patina. Interestingly, this revolver was made with no provision for repeat cocking without first pressing the forward section of the cylinder lock spring located just ahead of the sheath trigger on the bottom of the frame. One merely uses finger pressure on the front of the spring bar to release the cylinder lock while pulling back on the hammer. A gunsmith familiar with antique arms examined this revolver thoroughly inside and out and confirmed there was no internal mechanism to automatically release the cylinder lock when cocking the hammer, and that it did indeed require two hands to function this interesting early cartridge revolver! Therefore, it is possible this may have been an experimental revolver or a special variation. Some more research on this might prove fruitful. The cylinder pin is removed by pressing upward on the release button on the bottom of the frame. Once removed, the cylinder pin releases the cylinder, so the pin itself can be used to extract fired shells- a simple and effective design. The Whitney revolvers were of a very high quality and competed well with Colt Smith & Wesson. Like those companies, the quality of this product was well ahead of other, cheaper handguns of the day. The Whitney Arms Company was sold to Winchester Repeating Arms in 1888. Winchester recognized the quality of the Whitney firearms, and not wanting competition, immediately ceased production! These small revolvers were popular back-up weapons for lawmen and were also popular with gamblers, gentlemen, and of course “ladies of the evening” who needed an easily concealed means of protection. A most attractive 150 year old revolver with contrasting steel, brass and ivory for a striking visual appeal. Serial Number: 4116. This firearm qualifies as an antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*