[guy sajer]

Anyone have a good online info source for these ? ... Not that THR isn't ;) I did a search and apparently they've not been a topic for discussion . I found a little info in the Flayderman book .

Yesterday I bought an M&H .38 cal 5shot 5.5" nickel plate . It has an unusual folding hammer . I assume it's 38 S&W cal . It's in beautiful shape . Maybe test fired only ? The nickel is original with some wear on the grip back strap . Otherwise , close to mint .

Any info is appreciated . Rough value ?
Thanks

[Jim K]

I am assuming the gun is DA, as I don't recall seeing a SA model with the folding hammer. Those guns have picked up a fair amount of collector interest in the last few years, and I think the prices in Flayderman are a bit low, in fact in the Eight edition, about half the prices I see at gun shows.

I don't know what else I can tell you. M&H guns aren't rarities, but they are uncommon and seem to go fast when offered for sale. M&H quality was good, though I wouldn't recommend shooting the gun.

Technically, the ammunition is the .38 Merwin & Hulbert, which for all practical purposes is the same as the .38 S&W, but with a bullet that is slightly longer and is outside lubricated. Cartridges were made by both UMC and Winchester marked ".38 M&H" or "38 M, H & Co."

Jim

[guy sajer]

Thanks Jim . That helps .

Yes , it's DA . Wish I had a photo to post . I'll work on that . I was unsure of the exact caliber . It's stamped 38 CAL. on the LH frame . It does seem to chamber the S&W round well .

I see the large frame guns at very high prices in not very good condition . They seem to be advertised much more than the smaller .32 & .38 . Atleast based on my recent observations .

I like it because it has a very unusual cylinder - loading - unloading mechanism . Pretty cool . Also , you don't usually find a firearm this old , in this kind of condition . Found some good info over at Jim Supica's site .

[BEARMAN]

I just did a www.dogpile.com search of "MERWIN & HULBERT" and got few sites with some pictures and asking prices. Some information but I didn't look far enough to see if there is and real documented information. There is one book out on the MERWIN & HULBERT but like all good specialty books it is not inexpensive.

[guy sajer]

Thanks very much . I'll check into it .

[Ross]

..........There is one book out on the MERWIN & HULBERT but like all good specialty books it is not inexpensive.
The Story of Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Firearms
Abebooks has 6 copies listed just now, from US$130.00 to US$169.73. There seem to be two editions, 1991 and 1992, 4to, 218pp, by Art Phelps
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

[guy sajer]

Thanks Ross . I should have thought of Abe's .

[Gordon]

The medium frame guns (yours) are going up like the large pocket Army frames (.44-40) did ,not near as high though. Yours will shoot, if as described condition, .38S&W factory or better yet Cowboy loads just fine. These guns are very accurate in good condition , the later closed top strap ones that is.
Merwin and Hulbert pistols were subcontracted for manufacture , at a higher quality level, by Hopkins and Allen. The design is superior and the quality of manufacture suberb! Note how the cylinder pin is fitted air tight which gives it a pneumatic feel when moved in and out! I used one like yours in side Cowboy matches,and won, for years. I sold it for $400 about 3 years ago to buy a nice poket Army with 2 barrel for $1200!;)