How old is this National Arms 5 shot .32 cal?

Question

On top of the barrel it sais NATIONAL ARMS N.Y. USA. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip, it's 151676. It's a top break .32, not a "teat fire". It's browned with black checkered grips. Colt bought National Arms of N.Y. in 1870, But this gun looks like the top breaks made in the early 1900s. Any Ideas?

Answer 1

National arms  of Brooklyn New York, was actually the successor to Moore's patent firearms company taking over in 1865. Colt bought them out as you noted in 1870.

I can only find reference to a few handguns that they offered. One being the .45 Teat fire but it was plainly marked with Brooklyn as the city. It is unknown how many were made, but it is believed that it was less than 30. they also offered  the #2 derringer in .41 caliber which Colt later called by the same #2 derringer, and a couple more revolvers and derringers.

I have found a vague reference to a revolver that National made for Smith and Wesson (S&W won a patent infringement suit against National near this time) the revolver featured no back strap, was in .32 caliber, had a 4,5 or 6" octagonal barrel,with a seven shot cylinder,removable ejector rod,barrel and cylinder swin got right to load, but the barrel should be plainly marked " D MOORE PATENT SEPT 18,1860" and some  may have "MF'D FOR SMITH&WESSON" on them. Several companies, such as King & Smith and National built some older revolvers for S&W who then did the final work and sold them as smith&wesson. You may have one of these, or maybe a transition revolver from National to Colt. If you can send me a photo, or any further markings etc I can do some more looking. One thing that bothers me, is all of them that I have researched so far, all had either a blued or nickel finish, not brown. Also, is it a square butt or birds head style??

shoot safe

Answer 2

The National Arms Company was only in business from 1864 to 1870

Answer 3

In addition to the National Arms that Colt bought out in 1870, my references makes mention of National Arms Company as a trade name added to some firearms made by the H. D. Folsom Arms company for several hardware store chains.  Unfortunately no dates or firearms types were listed.

Sorry I could not be of more assistance.

Doc