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Custom Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Relief Carved Ivory Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Custom Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Relief Carved Ivory Grips
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This is an example of a Colt factory engraved, Model 1851 Navy Revolver that was manufactured just prior to the Civil War in 1860. This early Fourth Model revolver features a large rounded trigger guard, large recoil shield without capping cut-out channel and thin loading lever catch. The revolver had a blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and brass, silver-plated trigger guard and back strap. The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and the hammer notched for the rear sight. The hammer spur has bordered knurling. The revolver features deluxe Germanic Scroll engraving on a punch-dot background executed by Master Engraver Gustave Young or certainly by his shop. The scrollwork covers one half of the top barrel flat, both sides of the barrel lug, the entire frame, the hammer top and sides, the bottom of the trigger guard and the back strap and butt. The left barrel lug is engraved with a hound's head surrounded by scroll-work. The sides of the hammer are engraved with Young's trademark wolf head motif and the top has 4 small dots, also a trade mark of Young and his shop. The top of the barrel is marked with the legend "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT-." in a engraved panel with scalloped border and a detailed flourish on the muzzle end. "COLT'S/PATENT" is hand engraved in a scroll work panel on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the standard Texas Navy battle scene, "Colt's Patent No." and the serial number. The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and the cylinder. There is a dash above or under the serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap which designates factory engraving or special finish. The partial serial number, "6430" is located on the top of the loading lever and on the arbor pin. The wedge is mis-matched "3340". Fitted with a one piece ivory grip with relief carved with an eagle, snake motif. The revolver is complete with a Mid 20th century custom mahogany case with maroon velvet lining. There is a inset brass shield on the lid and the case has five compartments complete with a powder flask, with coat of arms motif, two cavity iron bullet mold marked "COLT'S / PATENT" on the sprue, nipple wrench, two partially full Eley cap tins, unopened original box of six seamless skin Colt Navy cartridges, five round and four conical lead bullets.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 96430
Condition: Fair. The metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina. The cylinder replaced crudely renumbered shows 90% of the scene, with signs of extensive grinding. A portion of the patent marking is not visible. The front and back straps retain 85% of the original silver plating, which is beginning to darken with age in places, with a pleasant, natural aged patina on the exposed brass. There are a few minor dings on the front strap. The custom grip is a bit ill-fitting and is very good with a couple of minor age cracks on the bottom and a very attractive mellow aged grain. The relief caving remains sharp. Unless noted above the markings and engraving remain clear and crisp. The action is very good. The custom case is very good with a few minor dings and scratches on the exterior and some minor contact wear on the lining. There is some minor pitting on the refinished bullet mold, otherwise the accessories are all good or better.