Lot 1141

Cased Pair of Factory Engraved Colt London 1851 Navy Revolvers

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Cased Pair of Factory Engraved Colt London 1851 Navy Revolvers

Estimate: $22,500 - $35,000

Starting Bid: $19,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Cased Pair of Factory Engraved Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver Desirable Cased Pair of Factory Engraved Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver The Colt Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was arguably the most significant model in terms of Samuel Colt becoming the most dominant figure in revolving firearms in the mid-19th century. While it was the second most popular of his percussion revolvers in terms of the total number produced, it was the '51 Navy that met with the most international success following his exhibition of arms at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, leading Colt to open a London factory to supply the European market. It manufactured approximately 42,000 Model 1851s in 1853-1857 compared to around 215,000 Model 1851s turned out at Colt's Hartford factory in 1850-1873. Many of the London factory revolvers were purchased by English officers, and many saw use in the Crimean War. Each of the revolvers in this pair was both manufactured in 1855 at the London factory and features the distinctive London style engraving, round headed screws, and iron grip straps. Interestingly, only the barrels are proof marked whereas it is typical for the cylinders to also have alternating proof and view marks. The engraving patterns on the two revolvers are very similar in style but are somewhat different in the specific details. Both revolvers have the dot marking used by the factory to designate revolvers selected for engraving and/or special finishing and "COLTS/PATENT" hand inscribed in banners on the left side of the frames, all matching serial numbers ("A" grip no visible number, "B" grip appears to be matching numbered), the one-line "-ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON-" barrel address, the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene on the cylinders, brass cone front sights, and varnished deluxe walnut grips. The wedge on number 23680 is stamped "8" which most likely stands for the last two digits "80". The wedge on revolver number 19075 is "75". The brass mounted English mahogany case has a loading and cleaning directions labels inside the lid is fitted to the two revolvers and contains two blued bullet molds, two L-shaped combination tools, two Eley Bros. cap tins, a James Dixon & Sons "COLT'S NAVY FLASK", a cleaning rod, an oiler, and three lidded compartments.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon

Gauge: .36

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number23680

Class: Antique

B) Colt London 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 Number19075

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 70% bright original high polish blue remaining on the barrel, 25% original silver on the trigger guard, traces of original case colors, gray and brown patina on the balance, light oxidation, and minor wear mostly from age and storage. The grip has most of the original high gloss varnish, several dents and scratches, light edge wear, and very attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also fine with much of the original blue remaining on the molds and combination tools, light dings, crack in the case lid, and general light wear. B) Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 60% bright original high polish blue remaining on the barrel, 25% original case colors, 70% plus original silver remaining on the grip straps, gray and brown patina on the balance, minor oxidation, replacement wedge screw, and generally light handling and storage wear. The grip is also fine and has most of the original varnish remaining, minor dings and scratches, and light edge wear. Mechanically 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