Lot 3180

Col. C. P. Dare Inscribed Pair of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers

Previous image preload Next image preload

Col. C. P. Dare Inscribed Pair of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers

Estimate: $8,500 - $19,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Cased Pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers Presentation Inscribed to Colonel Charles P. Dare from His Friend Connected with the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad Co. -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver Cased Pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers Presentation Inscribed to Colonel Charles P. Dare from His Friend Connected with the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad Co. -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver The Colt Model 1851 Navy is one of the most iconic handguns in American history and saw widespread use in the Old West and throughout the country during the Civil War. As the most popular American service revolver at the war's outbreak, '51 Navies were naturally popular presentation pieces for officers heading off into battle, but inscribed matched pairs like this one remain exceedingly scarce. These revolvers were manufactured in 1861 during the first year of the Civil War and are just five numbers apart. Their backstraps are presentation inscribed "Col. Chas. P. Dare by his/friends connected with the P. W. & B. R.R. Co." Colonel Charles P. Dare published the "Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad Guide" in 1856 and worked as a railroad agent prior to volunteering to serve the Union cause as the commanding officer of the 3-month regiment the 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry which was mustered in on April 21, 1861, and left for war without complete arms and uniforms. They were split into detachments and stationed in Perryville, Maryland, as well as along the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad. The P. W. & B was based in Philadelphia and was used to move Union soldiers during the war, in fact the Pratt Street Riot in Baltimore took place while the 6th Massachusetts Militia was transferring from the P. W. & B. station when they were attacked by Confederate sympathizers at the beginning of the war. Mark E. Dixon in "The Truth of the First Battle of Bull Run" indicates that while in Perryville, Dare shot and killed Union guard Private William Rapine when Rapine fired after Dare approached in the darkness and did not provide the password. Colonel Dare soon became seriously ill and was forced to resign when the regiment re-mustered in as a 3 year regiment under David Birney and became known as Birney's Zouaves. Dare returned home to Philadelphia where in 1862 he was in command of the Second Regiment of the Philadelphia Home Guard and worked as a clerk until he died from tuberculosis at his home in Philadelphia on October 25, 1863, in his late 30s. A research letter from 1962 is also included. The revolvers feature brass cone front sights, the one-line "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" barrel address, the naval battle cylinder scene, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of frames, the noted inscriptions down the back straps, blued barrels and cylinders, casehardened frames as well as hammers and loading levers, silver plated brass grip straps, and figured walnut grips with piano varnish finish. Each of the revolvers features matching partial or full serial numbers on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and grip (very distinct on 98925 and faint on 98930). The last two digits on 98930 are overstruck on all components. The pair comes in a custom rosewood veneer case with a "Col. Chas. P. Dare" inscribed lid escutcheon, martial themed powder flask with sloped charger, two cartridge packs, two Eley Bros. cap tins, an L-shaped combination tool, a brass bullet mold with "COLTS/PATENT" at an angle on the right arm, and several bullets.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon

Gauge: .36

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number98930

Class: Antique

B) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver As described in "A".

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon

Gauge: .36

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number98925

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Fine overall as refinished with 90% blue, 90% vibrant case colors on the hammer, lighter smoky gray on the loading lever and frame, 70% original silver on the front strap, 20% original silver on the back strap, aged patina on the silver and brass, mostly crisp markings and inscription, most of the varnish on the highly figured grip, and minor overall wear including some faint signs of pitting and cleaning. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are very good with age and storage related wear, including some cracks and chips in the wood. B) Fine overall as refinished with 60% blue and case colors with the balance of the iron smooth gray and brown patina, 60% original silver and aged patina on the silver and brass on the grip straps, most of the varnish remaining on the grip, minor pitting, distinct markings and inscription, and fairly minor overall wear. Mechanically functions. Overall a very attractive cased set inscribed to an early Union colonel whose men helped defend the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad and the nation's capital at the beginning of the Civil War.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000