3170

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

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 14,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1851 London Navy Revolver with Scarce Lower Canada Militia Markings
This scarce Lower Canadian Militia marked Colt Model 1851 London Navy revolver manufactured in 1855. This pistol is one of 255 London Navy revolvers issued to militia cavalry in Lower Canada (Quebec) in 1856. The left side of the grip is boldly stamped: "LC/D/50" in three lines. These markings indicate that the pistol was number 50 of the 53 Colt 1851 Navy revolvers issued to the First St. Andrews Troop of the Lower Canada Militia cavalry. The revolver has the distinctive large oval steel trigger guard and steel backstrap found on Second Model London Navy revolvers. The hammer spur has bordered knurling. The revolver barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap are blued. The loading lever, frame and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is varnished. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON.-" with arrows at either end of the marking. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No". London "Crown/V" and "CROWN CP" proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and above each cylinder chamber. The full serial number, "28815" is located on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. All of the serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 28815
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 90% of the military arsenal blue finish on the barrel, trigger guard and backstrap. Most of the wear is concentrated on the backstrap and the bottom of the trigger guard. The loading lever, frame and hammer have at least 90% of the original casehardened finish with bright case colors. The cylinder has been arsenal refurbished and shows scattered light pitting under the aforementioned blue. It retains at least 95% of the roll-engraved battle scene and has crisp proof marks. All of the cylinder safety pins are intact. The markings on the barrel and frame and the London proofs are crisp. The grips are also in very fine condition with very sharp Canadian militia markings and nearly all of the varnish. The action is tight but the hammer will not hold on half-cock. The revolver presents an outstanding appearance. This is a very fine example of a scarce Lower Canadian militia marked Colt London Navy revolver.