Merwin & Hulbert

[1] Merwin Hulbert's designs had influenced other gunmakers of the time, such as Meriden Firearms Co., Harrington & Richardson, Forehand & Wadsworth, and Iver Johnson.

[2] During the late 19th century, Merwin Hulbert revolvers were used by police departments of many cities in the eastern United States.

In 1868 Merwin formed a partnership with William and Milan Hulbert, who owned 50% interest in Hopkins & Allen.

[4] The company made numerous innovative designs such as folding hammers on their revolvers for pocket carry and a unique takedown system but was plagued by financial missteps.

Hopkins & Allen continued to manufacture Merwin Hulbert style rifles, primarily .22 and .32 caliber single shots, until 1916 when it went bankrupt and was bought the following year by Marlin Firearms.

[3] The company developed a nickel plating process superior to their competitors, which was even less expensive than providing bluing.

The tight machining tolerances would create a vacuum when the barrel and cylinder were pulled forward, literally causing the assembly to 'snap back' closed when released.

Note: early models also required pushing out a barrel wedge similar in function to Colt percussion revolvers.

The combination of extraction and barrel removal required very precise manufacturing tolerances—incredible considering the tools of the day.

[7] In 2010, it was announced that the name of the company had been purchased, as well as all of the designs and patents, by gun maker Michael Blank.

Broadsword Group, the purchaser of Sharps Rifle Company, announced on their website their commitment to return deposits of those who pre-ordered and the discontinuation of any further involvement in the production of Merwin Hulbert revolvers; although, they did indicate they are seeking to sell the design to a company that already specializes in reproduction firearms.

Finally, there is the 'small frame' pocket, a late addition to the lineup based around a five-shot, .32 caliber capability.

Eyeing the lucrative contracts the Smith & Wesson enjoyed with Imperial Russia, this model was later produced in .44 Russian.

Hunting for U.S. government contracts, there was the addition of a detent pin in the barrel release lever, which was recommended by the U.S.

The Pocket Army featured six-shot cylinders like the Frontier model, and was produced in .44 M&H, .44 Russian, and by far the most popular: .44-40 Winchester caliber.

Having handled a large frame Merwin Hulbert, the author finds no difficulty believing that this is a literal claim.

Many will find it odd that a 'Pocket Army' could be had with a seven-inch barrel - hardly pocket size, even in an overcoat!

Additionally, multiple barrels could be purchased in different lengths to allow one weapon to serve both in the field and in town.

The grip is the familiar 'saw handle' style, typically made of hard rubber, though pearl and ivory were available for an addition cost.

Although aesthetically pleasing, the practical reason for the design change to avoid snagging on the pocket on drawing the weapon.

A 'target' variant was sold in .32 long caliber with a seven-shot cylinder in addition to the more usual five-shot .38 M&H configuration.

With features similar to the 4th Model Pocket, both single and double action were available with or without the folder hammer spur.

As slow bullets passed through into the body, some of this clothing would be carried into the wound with any number of nasty bacteria - opening the way to infection.

Combining this with the primitive, and often distant or even absent medical attention, dying from an infection was a real possibility.

For a period of time, Merwin and Hulbert produced a design copy of the Smith & Wesson Model 1, third issue revolver.

Following a successful design infringement lawsuit, Merwin and Hulbert were forced to pay a royalty to Smith and Wesson for each revolver previously sold.

Existing stock had the Merwin and Hulbert markings obliterated and were surrendered to Smith and Wesson for disposal.