This is an example of a rare early Savage & North, Second Variation of the First Model, "Figure 8" percussion revolver that was one of 250 manufactured like it between 1856-59. 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 operators 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". Serial number "95" is on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, inside the replacement sideplate (renumbered to match), left of the hammer, trigger guard screw, and back of the cylinder.

Very good, retaining 20% of the original blue, mostly on the cylinder, an attractive antique patina on the brass, the replacement left sideplate slightly darker, and the balance showing mostly a mottled grey patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are also very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.