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Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Inscription and Tooled Slim Jim Holster

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Inscription and Tooled Slim Jim Holster
Manufactured in 1863, this revolver is marked with the one line New York City U.S. America address with dashes at each end, marked "COLT'S / PATENT on the left side of the frame and "36 CAL" on the left trigger guard shoulder. The cylinder is roll engraved with the naval battle scene and marked "COLT'S PATENT No 2410". The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap, with the partial number "2410" marked on the wedge and arbor pin with the loading lever un-numbered. The butt is engraved "S. RUSSELL". The revolver is fitted with a one piece checkered ivory grip. The revolver is complete with a floral leaf tooled slim Jim holster. The revolver is also accompanied by a number of hand written letters in reference to the finding of the revolver which was "lost" in or about 1907, and newspaper articles about it having been found at an antique dealer in Colorado and returned to William C. Russell Jr., the grandson of Samuel Andrew Russell. Samuel Russell reportedly carried the revolver during the Comstock silver boom in Virginia City, Nevada and as a Major in the Nevada State Militia during the 1860s. The revolver was later carried by Samuel's son William during the to Klondyke and Alaska from 1898 to 1901. In 1904 he stored it and personal affects at his cousins house in California and upon returning in 1908 found the revolver missing. In 1943 William Jr. obtained a description of the gun before his father died and his search began. Articles refer to the revolver as silver mounted, writer believes this is because the trigger guard and backstrap are factory silver plated.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: checkered ivory
Serial Number: 172410
Condition: Very good. The barrel and cylinder have a once refurbished smooth mottled silver gray patina with some minor pitting on the muzzle end of the barrel. There are signs of some cleaning and sanding on the barrel. The cylinder scene is fading, but most remains visible. The loading lever and frame retains 40% original case colors with the balance having a smooth gray patina. The brass has an aged patina with strong original silver plating on the trigger guard, mostly in the protected area of the bow. With the exception of a moderate chip on the right toe, the grip is very good with a few age cracks on the bottom, a dark aged patina and crisp checkering. The markings are clear. The holster is very good with some flaking of the leather, some minor age cracking and tight stitching. A colorful Colt Model 1851 Navy Rig with a bit of an interesting past.