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Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Scarce Lower Canadian Militia Markings

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,900.00 USD Estimated At:3,750.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Scarce Lower Canadian Militia Markings
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This Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1855. This revolver is one of 800 Colt London Navy revolvers purchased by the Government of Canada in 1855. Two hundred and fifty-five of these revolvers were issued to the lower Canada (Quebec) militia. The left side of the grip is stamped with the unit designation: "LC/D/7" ( Lower Canada Militia,, Company D (First St. Andrews Troop), Revolver No. 7). The revolver has the distinctive London Navy features which include: large oval iron trigger guard, iron back strap with extended hammer slot, bordered hammer knurling and high rounded screw heads. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON.-" with arrows at either end of the marking. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines in the middle of the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLTS PATENT NO.", along with W.L. Ormsby and "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" markings. London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and on the cylinder over each chamber. The full serial number, 28769 is stamped on the loading lever, the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and on the cylinder. All of the serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 Inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 28769
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 40% plus of the original blue and casehardened finish. The barrel has much of the bright original high polish blue finish remaining on the sides of the barrel lug and lower portions of the barrel. The balance has a smooth silver-gray patina. The cylinder has a silver-gray patina and retains nearly all of the roll-engraved naval scene. The cylinder markings are crisp. There are some scattered light flash pitting on the top of one chamber and along the rear edges of the cylinder. All of the safety pins are intact. Traces of the original blue finish are present on the trigger guard and back strap. There is some fine pitting on the grip strap and back strap. The hammer, loading lever and frame retain 60-70% of the original casehardened finish with strong case colors. The one-piece walnut grip is very fine with crisp Lower Canada markings. About 80% of the original varnish finish remains intact. The Colt markings and British proof marks on the barrel and frame are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a fine example of a London Model 1851 Navy revolver with Lower Canada Militia markings.