COLT 1896 Navy 41 Long Short Colt DA/SA Double Action Revolver 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1435
LSB#: 210811DW04
Make: Colt
Model: 1889 Navy Revolver
Serial Number: 68677
Year of Manufacture: 1896 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .41 Colt, Long or Short
Action Type: 6-Shot DA/SA Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D. A. 41”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A. / PATENTED AUG. 5TH 1884 NOVEMBER 6TH 1888”. The left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt in a circle. Both the crane and crane arm as well as the face of the latch are marked with the assembly number, “180”. The interior of each grip panel is hand-scribed with the assembly number, “180”. The toe of the grip frame is marked with the serial number, “68 / 677”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V”. The area under the cylinder ratchet is marked with an alternative assembly number, “127”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the rear of a channel that is integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber, each with the COLT motif at the top. The toe of each panel has a loss that has been filled; these areas, as well as the bottom of each panel, have spots of discoloration. A secondary finish of some kind has been applied and is bubbling and flaking in places. Smooth areas have intermittent minor nicks and compressions. There are no cracks. The checkering is well-defined. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with poorly defined rifling. There is light-to-moderate erosion throughout along with moderate stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 25% of its current metal finish. Much of the barrel has gone to white and otherwise hase scattered light nicks and scuffs. Much of the frame has gone to a light patina and there are light nicks and scuffs throughout. The right side of the frame has a far darker patina than the left. Screws have minor tool marks with strong slots, and pins are not peened. Markings are mostly clear; the top barrel markings are a bit worn. Overall, this revolver rates in Good-to-Very Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has moderate play with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger pull is smooth, though a bit heavy, and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Ostensibly a Model of 1892, this 1896 Navy (so named for its year of manufacture) features a cylinder design improved over the original 1889 Navy Double Action. A secondary distinguishing characteristic that shouts “Navy!” over “Army!” is the COLT motif sans the Rampant Colt on the grip panels. Interestingly, this 1896 has a barrel and cylinder from a different firearm altogether. In overall Good-to-Very Good condition for an antique, this revolver has a fair bit of wear and has been refinished at some point. Regardless, the COLT collector could do worse in rounding out their collection with this example. Good luck and happy bidding.