The Merwin Hulbert .38 Folding Hammer: A Glimpse into American Firearm Innovation
Among the lesser-known yet remarkably inventive firearms of the American frontier era, the Merwin Hulbert .38 Folding Hammer revolver holds a special place. Produced in the 1880s by Merwin, Hulbert & Co. out of New York, this compact revolver featured a mix of forward-thinking design elements that made it stand out from the more familiar sidearms of its time.
Chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge, the revolver was built around a double-action system and a five-shot cylinder. The majority were manufactured with a 3½-inch barrel, although some were outfitted with a longer 5½-inch option. A polished nickel finish, common to the company's lineup in that period, gave these revolvers their distinctive shine.
What truly set the Merwin Hulbert apart was its patented folding hammer spur—a clever design that allowed the hammer tip to pivot forward. This feature made it easier to carry the revolver in a pocket without it catching on fabric, a practical touch for those who needed quick, discreet access. Each spur was typically engraved with a patent number, reflecting the firm’s dedication to safeguarding its innovations.
The .38 pocket models were introduced primarily throughout the 1880s, during the company’s operation from 1876 to 1891. Each piece bore the stamp “Merwin Hulbert & Co NY USA,” a subtle yet enduring mark of its New York roots.
This revolver appeared at a pivotal moment in firearms history, when gunmakers were racing to deliver more compact, easily concealable weapons for personal defense. Although giants like Colt and Smith & Wesson led the industry, Merwin Hulbert earned a loyal following among those who appreciated the uniqueness of its loading and ejection system, as well as its forward-thinking design.
Solidly constructed with a top rib and a two-thirds-length underlug, the revolver was both rugged and refined. Its grips, made from hard rubber—a cutting-edge material for the time—offered durability along with a surprisingly comfortable hold. The overall craftsmanship, particularly the lustrous nickel finish, underscored the company’s commitment to quality.
Though they never reached the commercial success of their better-known counterparts, Merwin Hulbert revolvers are now treasured by collectors. Each surviving example tells a story of ingenuity and mechanical creativity that defined the golden age of American firearm design.
Today, these revolvers are not just relics; they’re vivid reminders of a time when innovation drove gunmakers to rethink form and function. The folding hammer spur remains a standout detail—a quiet but powerful testament to the problem-solving spirit that helped shape the evolution of handguns in the late 19th century.
Model: Merwin Hulbert & Co
Serial Number: 15146
Caliber: .38
Action Type: Double Action
Markings: Merwin Hulbert & Co NY USA with Patent Dates and Caliber
Barrel Length: 5.5 in
Sights / Optics: Standard
Grips Condition: Hard Rubber original one side has a piece missing
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original Nickel
