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Colt Model 1851 U.S. Navy Richards-Mason Cartridge Conversion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1851 U.S. Navy Richards-Mason Cartridge Conversion Revolver
Originally manufactured in 1856 and subsequently converted in 1872 to 38 center fire. The 6-shot plain cylinder has been milled off at the rear with a breech plate and loading gate added. The loading port has been enlarged. The hammer has had a firing pin added to the bottom center. The loading lever has been removed and the loading lever holes partially filled, (ramrod hole unfilled) and a nickel ejector rod and housing attached to the right side secured by a screw through the lug. The top barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" and features brass cone front and notch rear sights. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT" followed by two July patent dates. The left trigger guard shoulder is marked with the letter "M" and the front upper left side of the trigger guard is marked with a small "S". The cylinder is roll engraved with the naval battle scene as well as being marked "COLTS PATENT No 009". The bottom of the barrel lug and frame are marked "58688" and the trigger guard and backstrap "89278". The butt is marked "U S N". Fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip with a small faint boxed cartouche on the lower right side.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 38 CF
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 58688


Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The ejector housing retains 80% of the nickel finish with scattered brown where the nickel has flaked off. The brass has a mottled aged patina with strong traces of the original silver in the protected areas of the trigger guard. The slightly undersized grips are very good, showing some lower edge wear and a few scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The cylinder scene is fading, but mostly visible and the markings are clear. The action is excellent.