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According to "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Arms", Approximately 250 Savage & North "Figure 8" First Model Second Variation revolvers were produced.
LOT 3180
Rare Savage & North “Figure 8” First Model Second Variation Brass Frame Percussion Revolver - NSN, 36 cal., 7 1/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. This is an example of a rare early Savage & North, Second Variation of the First Model, “Figure 8”
percussion revolver that was one of approximately 250 manufactured like it between 1856-1859 (per Flayderman’s Guide). This early Savage & North revolver has a brass frame, chamfered gas-seal chamber mouths, and early type ramming lever that identify it as a Second Variation First Model Figure 8 revolver. The revolver has the distinctive Figure 8 shaped trigger guard and cocking lever. Using the operator’s middle finger, the cocking lever is pulled between each shot to advance the six-shot cylinder, automatically cocking the hammer. A truly historic engineering marvel for the time, with surviving examples few and far between. It is fitted with a brass cone front sight, a dovetail mounted rear sight is located on the top strap. The top barrel flat is marked “E SAVAGE. MIDDLETOWN.CONN. CAST-STEEL” faintly. The top strap is marked “H.S.NORTH PATENTED.JUNE171856”. Assembly number “1” marked on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, back of the cylinder and cylinder indexing mechanism, trigger guard screw, and underside of both grip panels. “FC” stamped on the butt of the frame. CONDITION: Good. The blue finished iron surfaces show smooth brown patina with some scattered patches of light pitting. The brass frame exhibits a pleasing golden
aged patina. Grips are also good with numerous scattered scratches, and a few mild chipped/absent sections on the right panel. The cocking device needs work, occasionally does not function properly. Early “Figure 8” Savage & North revolvers are seldom encountered in any condition! Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
According to "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Arms", Approximately 100 Savage & North "Figure 8" Second Model revolvers
were produced.
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LOT 3181 Very Rare Savage & North “Figure 8” Second Model Iron Frame Percussion Revolver - NSN, 36 cal., 7 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured between 1856-1859, this Second Model had a total
production of only about 100 (per Flayderman’s Guide). The Savage & North Second Model “Figure 8” revolver is distinguished by the round shape iron frame and creeping type loading lever. However, the loading lever housing lacks the H.S. North April 1856 patent date as typically observed on the
limited surviving Second Models. The top of the frame is marked “E. SAVAGE MIDDLETOWN, CT. /H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17th, 1856”. The six-shot revolver features the unusual ring-trigger action in which the ring trigger revolves the cylinder and cocks the hammer. The revolver is fired with a second trigger which fits in the curved arm of the lower trigger. The revolver has a brass cone front sight and a notched lug rear sight dovetailed into the top of the frame. No numbers are visible on any of the components on this example. These early Savage revolvers were redesigned and became the more widely used Savage Navy model manufactured during the Civil War and purchased by the U.S. government. CONDITION: Good with smooth gray and brown patina overall and some scattered areas of light to moderate pitting. Grips are very good with scattered scratches, and a crack on the front edge of the right panel. Mechanically fine. One of the percussion nipples is partially absent. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500