Exceptionally Fine Civil War Production Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Military Finish This is an example of a military finish Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1862. The revolver has the Middle Fourth Model features which include: (1) large rounded trigger guard, (2) thin loading lever latch and, (3) small recoil shield cut-out with capping channel. The barrel and cylinder have a dull military blue finish and the brass trigger guard and back strap are not silver plated. The loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil-finished. The barrel is fitted with a dover-tail mounted front sight with straight back, nickel-silver, blade. The front sight base is niter blue. The hammer has borderless knurling on the spur. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLT'S PATENT No" and "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843". The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two-lines on the left side of the frame. A small "S" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The full serial number, "123683" is stamped: (1) on the bottom of the barrel lug, (2) bottom of the trigger guard, (3) bottom of the back strap. The partial serial number "3683" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The military blue finish, un-plated brass trigger guard and back strap and oil-finished grip are typical features of U.S. Contract Colt revolvers. However, the special front sight which appears to be original to the revolver, indicates that this is a commercial Production Colt Model 1851 Navy. Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1851 Navy BBL: 7 1/2 inch Stock: Gauge: 36 percussion Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: walnut Serial Number: 123683 Class: Antique Condition: Extremely fine. The revolver is all original and retains 85% plus of the military blue and color casehardened finish. The barrel retains close to 90% of the dull military blue finish with some edge and muzzle wear and a few spots of age discoloration. The barrel lug has the usual dents on the right side surrounding the wedge slot. The cylinder has an even brown patina and retains at least 90% of the Naval scene. The cylinder safety pins are battered and the percussion nipples shows traces of flash pitting. The loading lever, hammer and frame have 90% or more of the casehardened finish with strong case colors with traces of silvering on the left recoil shield. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a mellow age patina. The screws retain most of the fire blue finish. The grip is in very good condition with only light handling wear and one old dent in the left heel. All of the markings are crisp. The action is tight but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is an exceptional example of a Civil War period Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1862.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
April 26, 2015 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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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 + $10,000