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Gustave Young, Factory Engraved, Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Ivory Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Gustave Young, Factory Engraved, Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Ivory Grips
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Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver manufactured in 1860. This early Fourth Model revolver has the characteristic large rounded trigger guard, large recoil shield capping cut-out with no capping channel, thin loading lever latch and beveled loading cut-out in the barrel lug. The barrel has an expertly installed period dovetail mounted front sight with nickel-silver blade and dovetail mounted block rear sight. A center punch mark above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap indicates that this revolver was designated by Colt for engraving and special finish. The revolver is engraved with distinctive Germanic scrollwork associated with Master Engraver Gustave Young and his shop. The engraving on the left side of the barrel lug features an eagle's head surrounded by scroll-work. The sides of the hammer are engraved with Young's typical hound's head motif. The top of hammer has five dots, denoting Gustave Youngs level of embellishment. The engraving on this revolver is very similar to that on the Young engraved Colt Model 1851 revolver, serial number "92264", illustrated on page 133 of THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING VOLUME ONE by R.L. Wilson. The revolver has a one-piece ivory grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT." in a panel formed by scalloped engraving with a flourish at the muzzle end. "COLT'S/PATENT" is hand engraved on the left side of the frame in an engraved panel. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO.". The full serial number, "96468" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "6468" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 96468
Condition: Very good. The original blue and casehardened finish on the barrel, cylinder, lever, frame and hammer have attractively aged to a gray-brown patina. Traces of the silver plated finish are visible on the brass trigger guard and back strap. The un-engraved portions of the barrel and lever have some scattered light pitting and age texture. The cylinder shows moderate wear and retains half of the roll-engraved naval scene. The cylinder safety pins are battered and the percussion nipples and hammer well show heavy flash pitting. The engraving on the barrel, loading lever, frame and hammer is sharp and deep. The engraving on the brass trigger guard and back strap shows moderate handling wear. The barrel legend, patent markings and serial numbers are crisp. The frame and lug screws are in good condition. The ivory grip is in fair-good condition and has a mellow and very attractive patina. The left side of the grip has a repaired hairline crack that runs from the heel to the top of the back strap. There are numerous hairline cracks in both grip heels and small hairline cracks that run up most of the right side of the grip. This is a very attractive original Gustave Young factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver.