Lot 130

Very Scarce London Agency Cased Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver

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Very Scarce London Agency Cased Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver

Estimate: $11,000 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $9,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Scarce London Agency Cased Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver The Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver, officially known as the "New Model Navy or Belt pistol," is among the hardest of the Colt percussion revolvers to acquire. Only 38,843 were manufactured compared to approximately 200,500 Model 1860 Army revolvers. They are justly considered to be among the most attractive of all Colt percussion revolvers and are a streamlined version of the iconic Colt Model 1851 Navy which was one of Colt's most popular revolvers. The grip design and barrel length was adopted when Colt developed the Single Action Army. This very attractive example was manufactured in 1863 during the American Civil War and is especially rare as it was factory designated to be sent to Colt's London Agency as signified by the "L" markings stamped either above or below the serial numbers along the underside of the revolver. It also features London proof marks, and the English style case has a Colt London Agency directions label. Very few of these were sent abroad given high domestic demand during the Civil War. Jim Eplen noted: "English 1861 Navies are rare! I have never seen or held a London addressed 1861 Navy, and I am not sure they exist. I have seen only eight others like this one." We have also only seen a limited number, and very few remain in high condition and cased. R. L. Wilson on page 167 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" also confirmed: "A limited number of round barrel Navy revolvers were sold through Colt's London Agency..." The revolver features the distinctive 7 1/2 inch round barrel with the improved loading lever, German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York barrel address, and London proof marks on the left below the wedge. The cylinder has the iconic naval battle scene and alternating London proof marks between the chambers. The left side of the frame has "COLTS/PATENT", and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "36 CAL". Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The oak case has green baize lining, the noted directions label with the "14, PALL MALL, LONDON, S.W." address, a cleaning rod, L-shaped combination tool, blued "36 B" marked Colt bullet mold, Eley Bros. cap tin marked for "COLT'S PT./Belt and Pocket/PISTOLS", James Dixon & Sons "COLT'S NAVY FLASK" and oiler, and a key.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1861 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 36

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number12424

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Jim Eplen Collection
  • Condition: Fine with 40% plus original blue finish with fading to smooth brown patina, 50% plus original case colors, 40% original silver plating remaining with dark aged patina, aged patina on the brass, small gap between the trigger guard and frame, mild overall wear, and distinct markings. The grip is very good and has a repair on the right at the toe, a few chips, scratches, dings, and most of the original high gloss varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine and have mild age and storage related wear, including a dent on the otherwise fine flask and crack in the underside of the case, along with strong original blued finish on the tool and mold.

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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