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Unique Vertical Cased Pair of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers -A) Colt London 1851 Navy Revolver B) Colt M

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Unique Vertical Cased Pair of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers -A) Colt London 1851 Navy Revolver  B) Colt M
A) Colt manufactured 42,000 of these London revolvers between 1853 and 1857. These revolvers were in their own serial number range of 1 to 42,000. This particular revolver was manufactured in 1855 with the large round iron trigger guard and backstrap. The top barrel flat is marked "---ADDRESS. COL. COLT. LONDON.---" and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT". British "crown/ V" and "crown G/P" proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the wedge and it is marked with the same proofmarks on the cylinder alternating between each nipple. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval scene and marked "COLTS PATENT No 38246". The complete matching serial number is stamped on the loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, wedge and arbor pin. In addition there is a "B" stamped on the butt. The frame was casehardened, the loading lever fire blue and the remaining parts blue. Equipped with brass pin front and hammer notch rear sights and fitted with smooth one piece varnished walnut grips. Complete in a vertical locking wooden case with tan velvet lining with brass rectangle initial lid plaque on the outside of the lid. The revolvers stand upright in the case and there is an accessory drawer on one side which contains a copper eagle star flask marked "FRARY, BENHAM & CO" in a banner on the top, eley Bros. cap tin with approximately 24 caps, a key and two cavity Colts patent bullet mold. An identical case was in the William Locke Collection and is photographed on page 91 of The William Locke Collection book.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 38246


B) Manufactured in 1853. The top barrel flat has the standard one line New York City address. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS / PATENT" and the cylinder has the Texas Navy scene, and marked "COLTS PATENT No 20454". Complete matching serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, loading lever and partial serial number "0454" on the wedge and "454" on the arbor pin. Small round trigger guard, brass cone front and hammer notch rear sights, silver trigger guard and backstrap, casehardened frame, loading lever and hammer and blue barrel and cylinder. Fitted with a smooth varnished walnut grip.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 20454


A) Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina with scattered dried oil residue. The cylinder scene is mostly visible. The grips have been sanded and refinished, and remain good with a small chip on each toe and a few overall scattered minor dings and dents. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is very good. The case is very good as custom made with a few minor nicks and scratches. The lining is very good with some fraying on the edges and minor contact wear. The accessories are fine with most of the original lacquer finish on the flask and strong blue mixed with smooth gray patina on the mold with a number of dings and dents on the sides.

B) Very good. The barrel retains 20% of the thin original blue finish concentrated on the lower flats. The remaining metal has a smooth gray patina. The trigger guard retains 30% original silver plating while the front and backstrap have an aged patina with strong traces of original silver at the top of the backstrap. The trigger is a non-factory period replacement. The cylinder shows several dents and the scene is mostly visible. The grips are very good with a moderate chip on the right toe and a few minor dings and dents. The barrel and frame marking are clear. The action is very good.