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Early Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,400.00 USD
Early Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Early Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver, #75199, .36 cal., 7-1/2'' barrel, originally with blue and case hardened finish, silver-plated brass backstrap and triggerguard, with one-piece walnut grips. Originally shipped approx. 1857, and according to Mason Swayze on page 46 of his book, entitled '''51 Colt Navies'', he calls all firearms in this serial number range as ''Navy Armies'', as they were shipped to the U.S. Army. Revolver additionally shows small military acceptance marks throughout, including the letter ''T'' to the left lower portion of barrel lug, small letter ''g'' to rear left triggerguard bow. This revolver was in the possession of Brevet Col. William Betts Keeler of Muscatine, IA, in the 35th Iowa Vol. Infantry during his extensive service in the U.S. Civil War. Included with this revolver is an 1863 document commissioning Keeler as a Capt. in the Iowa 35th Regiment. (Colt shows no factory records for Navies below serial number 98,000.) Revolver remains in very good condition as well used and cleaned, showing only blue in protected areas of barrel and cylinder. Faint traces of what was originally thin case colors remain on frame. Surprisingly a good amount of silver is retained on backstrap and in protected areas of triggerguard. One-piece walnut grips retain 80% original varnish, with losses to varnish near butt and knackering at butt cap of both grip and buttstrap. All matching serial numbers, including wedge. Action is good, bore is very good. Est.: $1,800-$2,400. (Antique)