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Scarce U.S. Navy Inspected Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,750.00 USD
Scarce U.S. Navy Inspected Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
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This is a solid example of a Colt U.S. Navy contract Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1858. This late production, "Navy-Navy", revolver has the distinctive iron back strap and large rounded iron trigger guard found on U.S. Navy contract revolvers in the 89,000-91,000 serial number range. The revolver has the early Fourth Model features that include large capping cut-out with no capping channel in the frame and "thin" loading lever catch. Late "Navy-Navy" revolvers like this example are stamped with "U.S." in small letters beneath the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame. The bottom of the back strap is stamped "U S N" and the bottom left side of the grip heel is stamped with the U.S. Navy inspector's mark "I/GWR" (Commander George W. Rodgers). The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLTS PATENT No." and "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" along the forward edge of the cylinder. An "M" Sub-Inspection mark is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The full serial number, "89659", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number, "9659", is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The left side of the barrel is marked "ASA SPENCER. .MPLS. 1892" in hand-stamped letters. "NO.2" is hand-stamped on the right side of the barrel lug. The significance of these markings is unknown.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 38 Percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 89659
Condition: Very good. The revolver has a silver-gray patina and retains traces of the original casehardened finish on the frame, hammer and loading lever. The cylinder has moderate flash pitting on the percussion nipples and the safety pins are battered. The Colt and U.S. Navy markings are crisp. The Texas Navy battle scene of the cylinder is mostly intact. The grip is in good overall condition with moderate handling wear. The hammer does not hold at half-cock. This is a very good example of a late Colt Model 1851 "Navy-Navy" revolver with rarely encountered "I/GWR" inspection mark. These original percussion USN Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolvers are seldom found as most were converted to cartridge in the 1870's.