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Very Fine Cased Pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Very Fine Cased Pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
A) This pair of revolvers was manufactured in 1861. The Fourth Model Navy revolvers have commercial blue barrels and cylinders, case-hardened loading levers, frames and hammers and silver-plated brass trigger guards and back-straps. The one-piece walnut stocks have a high polish varnish finish. The revolvers have the early Fourth Model features that include large rounded trigger guard, large capping cut-out with no capping channel and thin loading lever catch. The cylinders are roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. Both revolvers have conical brass front sights. The top of each revolver barrel is roll-stamped: " -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK AMERICA- " in a single line. "COLT'S/PATENT" is stamped in towlines' on the left side of each frame. Each revolver has the full serial number stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The partial serial number is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match on both revolvers. The American style rosewood case is lined with scarlet velvet and has seven compartments. The case contains: (1) two, 250 cap, Eley Bros., percussion cap tins with green paper labels, (2) Colt powder flask for M1851 and M1861 revolvers. The flask has a fixed charger and is embossed with crossed revolving rifles and revolvers above "COLTS/PATENT" and a stand of colors and arms (This flask is illustrated on page 156 of "COLT PERCUSSION ACCOUTREMENTS 1834-1873" by Robin Rapley.) (3) Blued, iron, .36 caliber round ball and conical bullet mold for 1851 Navy revolvers. The mold is marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the top of the spruce cutter and "36B" on the right block. The hinge pin has a domed head., (4) key and (5) several lead balls and conical bullets.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: varnished walnut
Serial Number: 103110


B) Described in A.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 103189


A) Very fine overall and retains about 50% of the blue finish on the barrel and cylinder and nearly 80% of the case-hardened finish on the loading lever, frame and hammer. The case colors are vivid. The trigger guard and back strap have 90% of more of the silver-plated finish. The cylinder has 90% or more of the roll-engraved naval scene. All of the cylinder safety pins are present. There is light flash pitting on the percussion nipples. All of the barrel, frame and cylinder markings are crisp. The grips are in excellent condition with 90-95% of the piano-finish varnish and scattered handling marks. The action is tight and functions well. The case is in fine overall condition. The exterior has several minor age cracks to the rosewood veneer but retains most of the original finish with light to moderate handling wear. The case interior is in fine condition The velvet lining is bright and clean. Wear is mostly limited to compression marks and several of the case partitions are loose. The cap tins are in very good condition with bright, intact labels and most of the lacquer finish on the bodies. The powder flask is in very good condition. The embossed decorations on the body are sharp, the flask seams are tight, wear is limited to one shallow dent in the bottom. The flask has a mellow age patina with traces of the original lacquer finish. The bullet mold is in good condition with crisp markings and retains about 60% of the blue finish. There are a number of small dents on the right side of the mold.

B) Excellent. The revolver retains 90% of the original blue and case-hardened finish with only minor handling wear. The barrel and cylinder have most of the high polish, commercial blue, finish. Wear is limited to some finish loss on the edges of the barrel and some surface discoloration on the right flat. The cylinder safety pins are battered but the cylinder has nearly all of the original finish and roll-engraved Naval scene. The percussion nipples and cylinder are free from flash pitting. The loading lever, frame and hammer have 85% of the original case-hardened finish with fiery case colors. There is no flash pitting on the hammer sides or face. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have approximately 90% of the silver-plated finish with some edge wear on the left side of the trigger guard. The barrel and frame markings are crisp. The grip is in excellent condition with 95% or more of the high polish 'piano' finish; wear is limited to some scattered, minor handling marks. The action is tight and functions perfectly.