Plant's Front Loading Army Revolver (Second Model) Complete Specs and Full Gun Specifications

The Front Loading Army Revolver was manufactured by the Plant’s Manufacturing Company of New Haven, CT from the mid-1860s. It was made in three models, all together approximately 8,000 of these six shots, patented revolvers were made. They were firing heir patented “cup primed” cartridge. The Plant’s Manufacturing Company was financed by Merwin & Bray, who also acted as the sales agents and exclusive distributor for the products. That's why the top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped "MERWIN & BRAY NEW-YORK". "PATENTED, JULY 12, 1859 & JULY 21, 1863" is roll-stamped across the cylinder. A manual ejector rod was mounted on the rear of the right side of the frame, and was used to push empty cartridge casings out the front of the of cylinder chamber mouths. The gun was about the same size as Colt M-1849 Pocket revolver, but was much easier to reload and packed more firepower into the same sized package.The Plant’s Manufacturing Company Front Loading “Army” Revolver became a popular choice for the armed citizen and military officer of the mid-1860’s. The robust, solid frame design was much stronger than its direct competitor the Smith & Wesson #2 “Old Army”, and the .42 cartridge packed more punch than the S&W in .32 rimfire. It is belived that only 100 of First Model revolvers with brass frame and 150 with iron frame was ever made. 50 of the Second Model with rounded brass frame and 350 with iron frame were made. Both First and Second Model are very rare and valuable. The Plant's Manufacturing Co., made approximately 7,300 Third Model Front Loading Army Revolvers in the mid-1860s. The 3rd models were produced in the 700-8000 serial number range.