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First Year Production Wedge Over Screw Variant Colt Squareback First Model 1851 Navy Revolver with I

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:NA
First Year Production Wedge Over Screw Variant Colt Squareback First Model 1851 Navy Revolver with I
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Estimate: $1800 - 2750
This is an example of a first year production Colt Model 1851 Navy squareback trigger guard revolver. The top barrel flat has the early one line New York City address and the frame is marked "COLT'S / PATENT". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas/Mexican naval scene as well as "COLTS PATENT No 1132". The complete matching serial number is marked on the loading lever, wedge, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. There is a small "T" stamped on the right trigger guard shoulder and a small "G" just ahead of the trigger guard bow. Fitted with a one-piece varnished grip. The back strap is inscribed "Col. W. H. Chase". At the time of writing this description we believe that the inscription, if authentic, refers to Colonel William Henry Chase. As a military engineer, Chase supervised the construction of many U.S. coastal fortifications, including Forts Pickens, Barrancas and McRee on Pensacola Bay. During the Civil War, Chase sided with the Confederates and was commissioned as a colonel in the Florida militia. The Florida Governor authorized Chase to seize all Union forts in Pensacola but the Colonel failed to seize Fort Pickens which remained in Union control throughout the war. Chase would end the war as a major general of the Florida forces, but due to his age and health played a small role in the war. He died on February 8, 1870.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1132
Condition: Refinished. Overall the revolver has an artificial smooth dark patina with some minor pitting. Traces of the cylinder scene remain. The brass has a bright appearance with a darker appearance in the protected areas. The revarnished grip has a few barely noticeable handling marks. The wedge is a numbered replacement. Mechanically fine.