Merwin Hulbert Mod 3 Army

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,

I recently obtained a M H Army in 44-40 SN 210xx. I can't find the assembly # on the barrel.  Where is it located.

Also St George has commented on the soft metals used in these guns.  What parts are too soft and did the metals improve
toward the late 1880's?

Regards
Colt

[St. George]

The metallurgy of your Merwin, Hulbert & Co. revolver is by and large wrought iron.

Pretty much every weapon of the era used the same metal - and iron is softer than steel.

There was no need to make the piece stronger, given the fact that black powder doesn't have the rapid pressure spike that smokeless does, so they made do with the more malleable iron, and S&W wouldn't go to steel until about 1914 - though Colt did so, earlier.

The problem lies in fit of parts, as time, abuse and neglect all conspire to make for a loose fit and 'wobble' - and those things are difficult to fix, today.

Not that they can't be - just that most so-called gunsmiths have never even seen a Merwin, Hulbert - much less worked on one - and spares are damned difficult to find - usually residing in other folks' revolvers - and those folks are proud of them.

Congratulations on your find.

Check out the collector's association - http://www.merwinhulbert.com/home.html

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Hill Beachy]

Howdy,

I recently obtained a M H Army in 44-40 SN 210xx. I can't find the assembly # on the barrel.  Where is it located.

Regards
Colt

CF:
The assembly number is located on the flat part of the barrel assembly, underneath the hole for the arbor.  You need to disassemble the piece in order to see it.  Hold the barrel upright (sights on top) and you from top to bottom you will see the bore, the hole for the arbor, a small flathead screw (for the takedown button) and the assembly number will be next to that screw.

Hope tjhat helps!

HB

[Colt Fanning]

Thanks for the help.  Don't know why I didn't spot it before.  It establishes that the barrel is original to the gun.  I was suspicious because the barrel is more rusty than the frame.

Regards
Colt