1971 Robert E. Lee Commemorative Colt 1851 Navy .36 Cal 7 1/2” Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,282.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE213
Make: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Serial Number: 4895 REL
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball Percussion Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Robert E. Lee Commemorative- Nineteen Seventy One”. The left side of the frame is marked “Colts Patent”. The cylinder is roll marked with the Battle of Campeche naval battle scene. The serial number is marked on the frame, grip frame, barrel, cylinder, and loading lever.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass mortise cone at the end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece smooth walnut. There is very light handling wear and minor compression dents. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-Colored, Silver-Plated brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original finish. There is very minor handling wear. There is some tarnishing of the silver plated brass areas from handling and age. There is some operational wear on the load lever, plunger, and hammer. There is minor loss of finish on the face of the cylinder, as well as a faint turn line. The screws are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Wood presentation box with cap tin, powder flask, bullet mould, L shaped nipple wrench, and key.
Our Assessment: This 1971 Robert E. Lee Commemorative Colt 1851 Navy is a finely preserved Colt percussion revolver honoring one of the most recognizable military figures of the American Civil War. Lee was a career U.S. Army officer before becoming commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, and his 1865 surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House effectively brought the war in Virginia to a close. The Colt 1851 Navy pattern is itself one of Colt’s great 19th-century designs, prized for its balance, elegant 7 1/2″ octagonal barrel, .36 caliber chambering, and the famous Battle of Campeche cylinder scene, a naval engagement engraving that helped give the model its “Navy” name.
This commemorative example remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining about 99% of its original blued, case-colored, and silver-plated brass finishes. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion, and the matching serial number is present on the frame, grip frame, barrel, cylinder, and loading lever. There is only very minor handling wear, some expected tarnishing to the silver-plated brass from age and handling, light operational wear on the loading lever, plunger, and hammer, and minor finish loss with a faint turn line on the cylinder. The one-piece walnut grip is Excellent, the markings remain clear and legible, and the screws are sharp. The included wood presentation case with cap tin, powder flask, bullet mould, L-shaped nipple wrench, and key completes this attractive Colt commemorative package for collectors of Colt percussion arms, Civil War-themed commemoratives, and American historical firearms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY