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Scarce Colt Model 1851 Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Scarce Colt Model 1851 Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver
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Estimate: $6500 - 9500
This excellent Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver Colt factory made to chamber the .38 rimfire cartridge. This revolver is a standard model Colt factory conversion manufactured by Colt from previously unassembled and unfinished M1851 Navy parts. Colt manufactured approximately 3800 Model 1851 Cartridge Conversion revolvers in the mid-1870s. The revolver has a factory nickel-plated finish with one-piece, varnished, walnut stocks. The revolver has the distinctive features of "Type 1" factory alterations assembled unfinished parts: (1) the hole in the barrel lug for the percussion loading lever has not been plugged, (2) the frame is fitted with a loading gate with internal spring actuated plunger, (3) the improved Richards-Mason breech plate is contoured flush with the recoil shield, (4) the rimfire firing pin is attached to the hammer by two lateral rivets, (5) the ejector housing is attached by a screw in the left side of the barrel lug and (6) the top of the hammer spur has bordered, oval, knurled panel. The full serial number, "2370" is visible on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The rear face of the cylinder is numbered "23/70" between chambers. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and stamped "COLTS PAT. No. 957". The rear face of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "3873". The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line reading toward the breech, The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "-PAT. JULY 26, 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2, 1872.-" in two lines. The serial number on the trigger guard and back strap has the number '1' stamped beneath.
BBL: 7 1/2 In
Stock:
Gauge: 38 RF
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 2370
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the original nickel-plated finish. The nickel-plated finish has scattered flaking and edge wear. The most significant finish loss is on the inside of the grip strap. The markings on the barrel and frame are crisp. The cylinder retains nearly all of the roll-engraved naval scene. The grip is in very good condition with scattered handling marks and retains approximately 80% of the original varnish. Most of the finish wear is concentrated on the heels of the grip. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very nice example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy factory-altered .38 rimfire revolver.