3292

Very Fine Rare Documented U.S. Civil War Navy Contract Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Very Fine Rare Documented U.S. Civil War Navy Contract Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $12000 - 18000
According to the included factory letter, this revolver was one of 300 shipped to the Commanding Officer of the Brooklyn Naval Yard on March 5, 1862. Unlike the Army, who established on-site inspectors at the factory, the Navy inspected their guns upon delivery and as such, Navy Contract 1861s can often only be identified by factory letter. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of these revolvers were converted to cartridge loading, making original black powder models scarce. German silver blade front and hammer notch rear sights with "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" roll stamped on the barrel, the Texas v. Mexico battle scene on the cylinder, and "COLTS/ PATENT" on the left side of the frame. Matching serial numbers are present on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder with the wedge numbered "883". Brass grip straps with the smooth one piece grips properly unmarked.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 6863
Condition: Very fine, with 60% of the original military blue finish, strongest on the barrel, with a mixed gray and brown patina on the remainder and scattered spotting and handling marks. The cylinder shows a strong naval scene with solid safety pins and some deep pitting. The loading lever, frame and hammer have at least 80% of the vivid case colors, wear is limited to some silvering on the recoil shields and top of the hammer with some light flash pitting on the left recoil shield and sides of the hammer. The trigger guard and back strap are fine with an attractive aged patina. The correct oil finish grip has some minor handling marks but remains very fine. Mechanically excellent. This is a very fine example of a rare documented U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver.