Small Pistol - JM Marlin New Haven Pat July 1 1873

Derwood · Jan 17, 2021

Hi- I recently got very lucky and inherited a collection from a relative who passed away. I am trying to understand each piece and get a ballpark estimate of the value for insurance purposes. Any help is very much appreciated. I will do my best to post clear and detailed photos. Thanks!

This little pistol has very few markings. It doesn’t seem to have a serial number, unless those are the numbers on the cylinder. I think it is a 30 short r.f. caliber based on some initial research. It’s definitely a little bigger than .22. Ivory (I think?) grips. Brass (I think?) receiver. 5 shots. Fully functional as far as I can tell.

Markings:
J.M. Marlin New Haven, Ct. Pat. July 1, 1873
6 5 3 3 are engraved on the inside of the cylinder.

tallen702 · Jan 19, 2021

Marlin No. 32 "Standard" 1875 pocket revolver. Nickel-plated brass frame (yours is almost completely worn away) with ivory grips. I saw one with better plating but cracked ivory for the grips go for $279 somewhat recently. Fires .32 rimfire. Your plating is at < 10% on the frame and ~15-20% on the barrel (all of the metal was nickel-plated originally) which is going to hurt the value, but again, real ivory grips with no cracks will help the value. My scientific wild-assed-guess would put it in the $250-$300 range given the condition of the grips. These were one of several inexpensive tip-up revolvers made by Marlin in the early days. These (with ivory grips) originally sold for the modern equivalent of $300. More info can be found here: https://www.marlinforum.com/articles/the-gentlemans-friend-marlins-standard-pocket-wheelgun.71/

Derwood · Jan 19, 2021

Thank you! Very cool! The previous owner carried unloaded it in a purse for many, many years. So that alone might explain the finish wear. Or maybe it was like that when purchased. I wonder if I can find 32 rimfire anywhere. It would be fun to try shooting it (<==most obvious statement ever haha)

Blacksmith101 · Jan 20, 2021

Derwood said:
Thank you! Very cool! The previous owner carried unloaded it in a purse for many, many years. So that alone might explain the finish wear. Or maybe it was like that when purchased. I wonder if I can find 32 rimfire anywhere. It would be fun to try shooting it (<==most obvious statement ever haha)

https://www.rtgammo.com/index.html
https://www.oldammo.com/

To see the differences in .32 Rimfire Cartridges
Go To
http://old.municion.org/

On the left hand side click on
:.Fuego Anular / RF

Scroll down to and click each cartridge fo a dimension drawing and examples (Google Translate can help with the descriptions)
.32 Extra Short Anular
.32 Short Anular
.320 Short Anular
.32 Swiss Special RF
.32 Long Anular
.320 Long Anular
.32 Long Rifle Anular
.32 Extra Long Anular

Doctor_M · Jan 20, 2021

Looks to be .32 short. If you are in need of a few rounds, let me know and I can help. It hasn't been manufactured since the mid 90s.

Small Pistol - JM Marlin New Haven Pat July 1 1873

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