Lot 3178

Cased Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Cased Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

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

Cased Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver Manufactured at Colt's London factory in 1854. Demand for Colt's Model 1851 Navy revolver was high with English officers following the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and continued into the Crimean War. The British Board of Ordnance contracted with Colt for 25,540 Model 1851 Navy revolvers mainly for the Royal Navy, and Colt also sold an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 revolvers to officers per page 9 of "Samuel Colt: Arms, Art and Invention" by Herbert Houze. Despite this initial demand, the Adams revolvers and others of English design would force Colt to close his London factory, and the company instead shipped revolvers from Hartford to a sales office in London. Features the large oval steel trigger guard, steel back strap, wide cylinder nipple cut-outs, bordered knurling on the hammer spur, and round head frame and trigger guard screws that are typical of Colt London Navy revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON-" and London "Crown/GP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and alternating between each nipple on the cylinder. Full and partial matching visible serial numbers are marked on the loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, wedge, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the back channel of the grip. Includes a hardwood case with a red felt lined fitted interior and a blank inlaid circular brass escutcheon on the lid, containing a ball/bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, a blued "L" shaped combination tool, G. & J.W. Hawksley powder flask, cap tin, lead rounds, and a cleaning rod.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: .36

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number6211

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 40% plus original blue finish concentrated on the barrel, strong traces of original case colors, with smooth gray patina on the balance, light oxidation, and a crisp cylinder scene. The grip is also fine, retains much of the original glossy piano varnish finish, with scratches, a few dents, and well-defined edges. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good, with dings and scratches, one small crack on top of the lid, detached key hole plate included separately, and mild age related wear on the interior.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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