Colt Model 1851 Navy-Navy Conversion 38 Rimfire 7.5″ Single Action Revolver

SOLD FOR: $2,425.00

LSB#:LSB250601SP006

Make: Colt

Serial Number: 4123

Year of Manufacture: Originally manufactured in 1861, converted and inspected post-1873 (Antique)

Caliber: .38 Rimfire

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side-Loading Gate

Markings:
The top of the barrel is faintly marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel lug is marked “- PAT. JULY. 25. 1871. – / – PAT. JULY. 2. 1872. -”. The cylinder is roll-marked “COLT’S PATENT No. 2975” with faint remnants of the naval battle scene. The frame, barrel, trigger guard, and backstrap are all serialized 4123, matching throughout. The loading gate is numbered 4123.

Most notably, the underside of the barrel, forward of the frame, is stamped “R.W.M.” followed by a small anchor. This is the official inspection mark of Commander Richard W. Meade, Jr., applied at the New York Navy Yard to Colt Navy revolvers that were converted from .36 percussion to .38 Rimfire. These arms, commonly called “Navy-Navy” conversions, are the only Colt cartridge revolvers definitively documented as U.S. Navy-issued after alteration, making this mark extremely desirable to collectors.

Barrel Length: 7.5”

Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a German silver blade mortised into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch cut into the hammer just rear of the cylinder.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are one-piece walnut with period folk-art style inlays. Each panel features a heart motif, and the left panel bears a five-pointed star with surrounding dots. The grips show moderate handling wear, smoothing, and minor blemishes, but are tight-fitting and free of cracks or structural issues. They rate in Good to Very Good condition, full of character and historical charm.

Type of Finish: Blued with Case Hardened Frame and Brass Grip Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:
The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp, and there is almost no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition:
This revolver retains approximately 25% of its original blued finish, mostly in protected areas. The balance has drifted to a soft gray and plum patina. Case color is faded but visible in places. The brass components show attractive age toning. There is scattered surface wear, minor erosion, and dings consistent with naval service and age. The screw heads show wear but remain functional. All serial numbers match. The overall condition is Good to Very Good, particularly strong for a service-inspected conversion of this type.

Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The cylinder indexes properly with light rotational play. The hammer holds at half and full cock. The ejector rod operates normally, and the loading gate is secure. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
None

Our Assessment:
This is an exceptional example of a documented U.S. Navy “Navy-Navy” Colt conversion. These revolvers were originally Model 1851 Navy percussion pistols converted by or for the Navy to fire .38 Rimfire metallic cartridges and inspected at the New York Navy Yard. The “R.W.M.” anchor stamp—the hallmark of Commander Richard W. Meade, Jr.—is a rare and highly prized collector’s mark, definitively tying the gun to official Navy service.

This revolver retains a matching serial number 4123 throughout, a strong 8/10 bore, and about 25% original blue, making it an outstanding representative of this rare martial variant. The folk-art grips add an air of sailor personalization that reinforces its naval provenance and frontier character.

To collectors of martial Colts, early U.S. cartridge conversions, and naval small arms, this revolver offers historical importance, documented Navy acceptance, and authentic visual appeal. Navy-Navy conversions with intact markings and good mechanical condition are becoming increasingly difficult to source—especially those with matching numbers and an unmolested bore like this one.

So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.