1333

SCARCE COLT MODEL 1861 CONVERSION REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
SCARCE COLT MODEL 1861 CONVERSION REVOLVER.
SN 368. Cal. 38 RF. Nickel finish with 7-1/2" rnd bbl, full front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. address. Right side of bbl lug is affixed with an ejector rod housing and bull's eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame is marked with "COLTS PATENT". Hammer nose has been modified for the rimfire firing pin which is secured with two through rivets. The silver plated trigger guard & back strap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip which is matching numbered to this revolver. The orig matching numbered cyl with Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking was modified by having the rear edge machined away to fully expose chambers and a spacer plate added, with loading gate having the assembly number "934". The SN was observed in usual places on bbl lug, frame, trigger guard & butt strap. The SNs on frame, trigger guard & butt strap are accompanied by a "1" and a tiny "N". The significance of the "1" is unknown however the "N" indicates that this revolver was to be nickel plated. This revolver is one of the revolvers manufactured by Colt from previously unused parts in the 1870s for the "new" self-contained cartridge. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, only about 2,200 Models 1861 were converted by Colt with at least 1,000 of that number converted for the U.S. Navy and about 1,200 converted by the factory from arms retaining the orig percussion serial numbers. A few were manufactured from previously unused parts. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including cyl & grip except wedge which is properly unnumbered. Overall retains virtually all of its orig nickel finish and most of its orig fire blue on screws. Cyl retains virtually all of its Ormsby Naval Battle Scene roll mark. Grip is sound showing light edge wear and a few minor nicks and retains about all of its strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few scattered small spots of pitting. 4-42285