Extremely Rare Documented Colt Model 1851 Factory Cut-Away Navy Revolver This is a rare Colt factory cut-away Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1857. This revolver is part of a small group of Model 1851s in the 68600 serial number range that Colt experts believe were manufactured by Colt for classroom instruction at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Two "skeletonized" Model 1851 Navy revolvers were listed in the 1898 Catalog of the Ordnance Museum at West Point. In "The Book of Colt Firearms" author R.L. Wilson estimates total production of Model 1851 Navy factory cut-aways "as approximately two dozen" revolvers. This revolver falls into the serial number range (68679-68689) of ten Model 1851 cut-aways known to exist, is illustrated and described on page 233 of "'51 Colt Navies" by Nathan L. Swayze, is consecutively numbered to an identical Model 1851 cut-way presented in "The Book of Colt Firearms" on page 127 and received the Second Place Award -"Antique Percussion" at the 2009 Colt Collectors Association Convention. An accompanying 2006 dated letter written by appraiser and antique arms collector Walt Moreau authenticates the revolver and provides history of provenance. It has a small rounded brass trigger guard and brass back strap. The barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-", "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame, the cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No". "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is roll-stamped on the leading edge of the cylinder. The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "8687" is stamped on the loading lever, wedge and the cylinder arbor pin. The frame features extensive factory modifications to show function of the components. The left recoil shield has been milled away. Eight oval slots are drilled into the frame to show the operation of the hand when the hammer is cocked. The upper left corner of the grip has been cut away to show the action of the hammer roller on the main spring. A hole has been drilled through the right side of the frame and recoil shield to expose the rear portion of each cylinder stop. A portion of the top of the frame has been milled away to expose the forward portion of the each cylinder stop. The lower portion of the frame has been milled away, and two rectangles are cut in the bottom of the trigger guard to show the function of the trigger. Consignor research is included. Provenance: Fred Toedtman, Michel Simens, Walt Moreau and Ray Faust, Jr. collections. Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1851 Navy BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon Stock: Gauge: 36 percussion Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: walnut Serial Number: 68687 Class: Antique Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 30% of the military blue finish on the barrel with sharp markings. The cylinder retains nearly all the roll-engraved naval scene and has a dark patina. Significant amounts of casehardened finish are visible on protected areas of the loading lever, frame and hammer. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a mellow unpolished patina. The grip retains close to 90% of the varnished finish with a very minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
December 2, 2017 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% 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 + $10,000