Lot 116

Colt Model 1851 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver

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Colt Model 1851 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver

Estimate: $20,000 - $35,000

Starting Bid: $18,000

(0 Bids)

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

Outstanding Well-Documented Colt Model 1851 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver Manufactured c. 1873, this is a truly extraordinary example of an early production Colt Richards-Mason conversion revolver in rimfire configuration that remains in outstanding condition. According to Norm Flayderman, only approximately 3,800 of these conversion revolvers were produced during the mid-1870s, right around the time Colt released their now legendary Single Action Army revolver, both becoming legends of the American West. These Richards-Mason conversion represented a slightly more affordable option than the "Peacemaker" for those seeking to upgrade from a cap and ball percussion sidearm to the more advanced self-contained cartridge revolvers. Being an affordable and effective sidearm during a time when the western frontier remained very much untamed, these revolvers are typically seen in lower condition after seeing years of use in a harsh environment. Thus, exceptionally high condition examples like this one are extremely rare on today's collectors market. This outstanding revolver is featured on page 138 of "Fine & Historic Arms Annual" by the Texas Gun Collectors Association and Rock Island Auction Company as part of the Dr. Paul and Carla McCombs Collection and is also pictured on p. 224 of "A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers" by R. Bruce McDowell. In the latter book this revolver is noted as being an early production example that utilized a previously made percussion barrel that remained on hand at the factory. Also included are two letters and a hand-written invoice supporting the provenance of this revolver. This early production example lacks the external loading gate spring and two-line Richards-Mason patent dates on the left side of the frame that are seen on later production examples. The top of the barrel has single line Colt address, while the left of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT" and the "36CAL" marking is on the left rear of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. It is fitted with a brass cone front sight, a hammer notch rear sight, and a one-piece walnut grip.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 38 Rimfire

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number597

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Arnold M. Chernoff Collection; The Albert Watson III Collection; The John H. Thillmann Collection; The Kurt House and Bruce Bartlet Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection; The Dr. Paul & Carla McCombs Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish on the barrel and ejector rod housing, while the cylinder retains 90% of the original blue and a crisp naval scene. 98% of the vivid original case hardened finish remains as well as traces of the original silver. The balance is a grey patina or attractively aged brass with very light handling evidence. The grip is also excellent with a few scattered light dings and retaining essentially all the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. One would search a very long time to find a finer example of the Colt Model 1851 Richards-Mason conversion revolver!

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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