3298

Spectacular Extremely Rare Documented Pair of Consecutively Serial Numbered Factory Cut-Away Colt Mo

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 90,000.00 USD
Spectacular Extremely Rare Documented Pair of Consecutively Serial Numbered Factory Cut-Away Colt Mo
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Estimate: $60000 - 90000
A) This is a rare pair of Colt factory cut-away Model 1851 Navy revolvers, serial number 68687 and serial number 68688, that was manufactured in 1857. These consecutively numbered revolvers are part of a small group of Model 1851 Navy revolvers in the 68600 serial number range that Colt experts believe were manufactured by Colt for classroom instruction at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Two "skeletonized" Model 1851 Navy revolvers were listed in the 1898 Catalog of the Ordnance Museum at West Point. In "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" author R.L. Wilson estimates the total production of Model 1851 Navy factory cut-aways "as approximately two dozen" revolvers. Consignor documents that accompany these revolvers document the existence of ten Model 1851 cut-aways (serial numbers 68679-68689). One of this pair of revolvers, serial number 68687, is illustrated and described on page 233 of "'51 COLT NAVIES" by Nathan L. Swayze. An identical Model 1851 cut-away, serial number 68686, is illustrated and described on page 127 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson. These revolvers received the Second Place Award -"Antique Percussion" at the 2009 Colt Collectors Association Convention. The two late Third Model Navy revolvers have small rounded brass trigger guards and brass backstraps. The barrel of serial number 68687 is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-", "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame of both revolvers and both revolver cylinders are roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No". "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is roll-stamped on the leading edge of both cylinders. Revolver no. 68687 has the full serial number stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard backstrap and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number 8687 is stamped on the loading lever, wedge and the cylinder arbor pin. All of the visible serial numbers match. The frames of both revolvers have extensive and identical factory modifications to show function of the components. The left recoil shields have been milled away and eight oval slots drilled into the frame to show the operation of the hand when the hammer is cocked. The upper left corner of each grip has been cut away to show the action of the hammer roller on the main spring. A hole has been drilled thru the right side of the frame and recoil shield of each revolver to expose the rear portion of each cylinder stop. A portion of the top of the frames of both revolvers has been milled away to expose the forward portion of the each cylinder stop. The lower portions of both sides of each frame have been milled away and two rectangles cut in the bottom of each trigger guard to show the function of the triggers. The revolvers are complete with extensive documentation and a professionally constructed display case.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 68687
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 30% of the military blue finish on the barrel with sharp markings. The cylinder retains nearly all the roll-engraved naval scene and has a dark patina. Significant amounts of casehardened finish are visible on protected areas of the loading lever, frame and hammer. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have a mellow unpolished patina. The grip retains close to 90% of the varnished finish with a very minor handling marks.
- B) As described in "A" but with having the barrel roll-stamped "ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-". The complete serial number "68688" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number "8688" is stamped on the cylinder arbor pin. The wedge and loading lever are not serial numbered.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 68688
Condition: Very good. This revolver may have been 'in the white' when modified; the only visible finish is on the wedge. The barrel, lever, frame and hammer have a silver-gray patina. There is some roughness on the barrel and cylinder. The barrel legend and cylinder scene are light but fully visible. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have a deep unpolished patina. The grip is very good and retains nearly 90% of the varnish with only very minor handling marks. This is an outstanding one-of-a-kind pair of consecutively numbered Model 1851 Navy factory cut-away revolvers. These revolvers represent one of the rarest variations of Colt percussion firearms.