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Very Fine Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Very Fine Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
This very fine original Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver was manufactured in 1861. This Model 1851 Navy Revolver has a the Fourth Model large oval trigger guard, thin loading lever catch and recoil shield cut-out with no capping channel. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and backstrap. The one-piece grip walnut has a high polish 'piano' finish. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT'S PATENT No.". The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the one-line legend: "- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLT/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame in two lines. A small number "2" is stamped on the lower left side of the barrel lug at the junction with the frame. The serial number, "103721" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number, "3721". All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagonal
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 103721
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original blue and 70% casehardened finish. The barrel and cylinder have moderate handling wear at contact points with substantial amounts of finish in protected areas. The cylinder retains nearly all of the roll-engraved finish. All of the cylinder pins are intact and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show minimal flash pitting. The frame, hammer and loading lever retain most of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors on the frame. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have 80-85% of the silver-plated finish with edge wear on the trigger guard and thinning on the backstrap. The walnut grip is in excellent condition with 95% plus of the original varnish finish and only minor handling marks. All of the markings are sharp. The action is tight and functions well. This is a very fine example of a pre-Civil War, commercial production, Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver.