Merwin Hulberts...the Pythons of the late 1800s?

[twaits]

I found this new in the box MH on Gunbroker and thought about all of the MHs I've seen on various auction sites and live auctions that are in excellent if not brand new condition. Then I thought of how many Pythons you see in similar condition. They are always expensive but I wonder if there were some gun nuts back in those days that were so amazed at the quality and beauty of their MHs that couldn't bear to shoot them!
Anyway, check out this amazing revolver. It doesn't get any better:

Merwin & Hulbert Double Action Police Revolver NIB : Antique Guns at GunBroker.com

[rayb]

That is a beautiful piece of machinery. 7 bids and going up.

Your comparison to the Python seems appropriate.

rayb

[feralmerril]

I also was going to write "machine" until I read it in the above post. They are beautifull! I had a close old collector friend years ago who had several. One like that and another in .44. I have often said someone could make a mint if he could make those folding hammers for J frames and colt snubs.

[longranger]

Not so simply gorgeous. I really hope the current MH's come reasonably close to the quality of that one. Stunning comes to mind.

[rhmc24]

Here's one, my Father bought it for $15 back in the 1960s.

[pecosriver]

I had one like that with two barrels,NIB with documented history.A high end dealer bought it from me,but for much less than that one.I guess I'm a coward,but having a gun in that condition makes me nervous. I know i'd drop it. I do have a MH Frontier listed on GB.#271841134. Not mint,however.

[Oyeboten]

I am sure the MHs were admired in their day.

It was afterall, still the ascent of 'The Mechanical Age', so, MH was living up to the expectations which so many felt, I am sure.

I forget now, what all happened to MH? what set them back or prevented them from continuing on with yet new designs and models into the 20th Century?

Wasn't either Mr. M, or Mr. H tragically killed in a Hunting mis-adventure or something? Killed by Indains?

One was the inside Man, the other, the outside Man? And it was the latter, the one who made-the-rounds, and took care of sales and promotion and so on, who travelled around doing promotional stuff and keeping contacts fresh and so on, who was lost?


Otherwise, these were made by Hopkins & Allen if memory serve...so it is also puzzling how or why they, as the actual Manufacturer, H&A did not stay on it and do more of the promotion, sales and continued development, regardless of anyone else.

H & A also made some at-a-glance very similar looking but more mundane in construction, Large Frame Revolvers in .44WCF .44RF and maybe other Big Bore Calibres at the same time as they were Manufacturing the MHs.

Those are also very likable if seldom seen.


- edited to add -

Just did a fast 'google' and found a couple images...

See the 5th and 6th images down from the top -

Hopkins and Allen

[twaits]

I think the "killed by indians" story was a myth. There's a book by Art Phelps called "The Story Of Merwin Hulbert". I'd love to have it but I don't think I've ever seen a copy for sale for less than $400. I wish some publisher would reprint it.
I have this one that my Dad used to carry when he was a teenager



My Dad also told me a story of some guy he worrked with that brought one into work that was in perfect condition with two barrels. That one was nickel. I think only something like 2% of MHs were blue. While the one above isn't it great condition cosmetically, it has all of the rarest features. Skull crusher grip, folding hammer, two barrels, two screw sideplate (most had 3) and in blue.

[rayb]

LGS has an M-H revolver in the display case. $11K on the price tag. I don't think he really wants to sell it.

rayb

[twaits]

LGS has an M-H revolver in the display case. $11K on the price tag. I don't think he really wants to sell it.

rayb

It must be a nice one. You should snap a picture of it the next time you are in