Colt Model 1851 Navy .36 Caliber Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver, 1863 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1485
LSB#: 220504DW001
Make: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Serial Number: 136033
Year of Manufacture: 1863 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-”. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “2”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard and backstrap are each marked “136033”, the bottom of the arbor and wedge are marked “36033”. The outside of the cylinder has an incomplete naval scene roll-mark. The backstrap inlet of the grip has “6033” hand-written.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with the most notable marks near the bottom edges. The surfaces show handling wear with most finish thinning or worn. There are tiny losses at a few corners. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip is in Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: The barrel shows treatment with cold blue and the cylinder has been Refinished. The frame and grip frame appear Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and some spots of pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its current metal finish. The grip frame has some scattered spots of remaining silver with most of the brass exposed. The cylinder has some scattered blue showing. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. The barrel assembly shows treatment with cold blue in the distant past. There are scattered patches of light erosion and some minor pitting. There are tool marks around the wedge on the right of the barrel. There is a cluster of nicks on the rear of the hammer. There are some other scattered more minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly . The cylinder lockup has very little play. The barrel assembly has no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt 1851 Navy revolver was produced by Colt up until 1873 when Colt cartridge revolvers were introduced. It got its name from the Navy battle scene on the cylinder that Colt added to commemorate the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche in 1843. Texas had previously ordered the Colt Paterson revolver, Colts first big success, and Colt wished to show gratitude. The 1851 Navy was carried as a belt gun by armies on both sides in the Civil War and was a favorite of General Robert E. Lee. This revolver is a Colt Model 1851 made in 1863 at the height of the Civil War. This revolver shows its age, but retains matching serial markings on its parts (though the cylinder’s serial marking is not legible) and stronger mechanics than many of these models we have seen. We only wish it could tell us its story. It will make a nice display piece with other Civil War era small arms or a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!