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Rare Factory Engraved Cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare Factory Engraved Cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
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Estimate: $25000 - 45000
This is an exceedingly rare example of a Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Squareback Trigger Guard revolver that was manufactured in 1851. The revolver has the squareback trigger guard and wedge screw, above the wedge with the wedge slot passing thru the cylinder pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style legend: "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT'S PATENT". The full serial number, "3546" is stamped on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The cylinder pin is stamped with the partial serial number "546". The replacement wedge is numbered "3277". A center punch mark is stamped next to the serial number on all the components except the cylinder. The punch mark indicates that the component received special work. The revolver has a blued barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one piece grip is highly figured walnut. The barrel has a dovetail mounted, nickel-silver, front sight blade; the top of the hammer has a dished sight cut-out and the spur has bordered knurling. The barrel lug, muzzle, sides of the loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap are decorated with the early Hartford style scroll engraving. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a fanciful animal head motif and all of the screw heads are decorated with engravings. The revolver is complete with a mahogany American style case with red velvet lining. The case has five compartments and contains: (1) silver-plated "Coat of Arms" pattern flask with fixed charger and American Eagle and shield surrounded by American flags above a cannon on both sides of the charge body. (2) silver plated "JAMES DIXON/& SONS" oiler, (3) straight leg iron bullet mold for Model 1851 and Model 1851 Navy revolver's marked: "COLT'S/PATENT in two lines on the spruce cutter and "36B" on the right block, (4) sealed packet of "6 Combustible Envelope Cartridges" for "Revolving Belt Pistol", (5) 100 cap, green label tin of "W &C ELEY" percussion caps for "Belt and Pocket Pistols", (6) blued nipple wrench, (7) key and (8) assorted lead 36 caliber round balls and conical bullets.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 3546
Condition: Very good. The revolver retains 85% of the original silver-plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap. The balance of the revolver has a gray-brown patina. The barrel has scattered light pitting and the engraving on the muzzle and sides of the barrel lugs are worn. There is a bright spot of metal visible forward of the forcing cone. The engraving on the sides of the loading lever, frame, trigger guard hammer and back strap is crisp. The barrel markings are clear. The cylinder retains half of the naval scene. The highly figured walnut grip is in good overall condition with a small chip on the left side at the heel. The action functions well. The case and accessories are in fine condition. The case exterior shows only minimal wear. The red velvet lining is faded and has some minor oil stains from contact with the revolver cylinder and accessories but remains in very good overall condition with only one small tear from contact with the revolver front sight. The accessories are all in very good condition with the lightly dented flask retaining most of the period silver plating. This is an extremely rare example of a Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 squareback revolver with the early pattern engraving, complete with factory case and accessories.