Lot 3541

Engraved Klay-Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Case

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Engraved Klay-Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Case

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,750

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

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

Limited Edition "Sample No.1" and "Brig Pemberton" Inscribed Engraved Klay-Colt Third Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Ivory and Burl Grips, Case, and Box Manufactured c. 1980s as one of a limited number of Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers purchased by Frank Klay from Colt in 1983 and subsequently embellished as one of a limited edition of 50 special engraved edition revolvers referred to as "Klay-Colts", with this example inscribed "Sample No.1" in script on the front strap and a small "K" under the frame's serial number. The backstrap is inscribed with the name "Brig Pemberton" for a well-regarded Colt collector. While Klay advertised totals of 150 standard and 50 engraved editions of these revolvers, knowledgeable collectors believe that no more than 125 of both versions combined were completed in total. It features floral scroll pattern engraving with punch-dot backgrounds covering around 50% of the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer and grip straps, only on the left side, with the right side left without engraving. It has fixed brass post front and hammer notch rear sights, the New York Colt address marked on top of the barrel, the Colt patent marking on the left of the frame, along with matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, loading lever, wedge, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and butt. Fitted with a smooth ivory left grip panel and a smooth burl walnut right grip panel. Includes a box hand-marked "BRIG PEMBERTON - SAMPLE #1" on the underside and a partitioned walnut case with fancy inscription "N.B.P." on the lid plaque, containing a U.S. martial pattern powder flask, a blued "L" shape combination tool, a dual cavity bullet mold with Colt's patent marked sprue cutter, along with lead round and an Eley Bros. cap tin.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851

BBL: 7 1/2 inch part octagon

Gauge: 36

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: ivory/burl

Serial Number25051

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection
  • Condition: Excellent overall as embellished by Frank Klay, retaining 99% blue finish, case colors, and silver finish with limited fading to the case colors, limited minor handling evidence, some attractive age darkening to the silver, clear markings, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine. The case is very fine. The accessories are excellent.

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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