Colt 1861 Navy Richards-Mason TYPE Conversion .36 Caliber Revolver, 7 ½” Ba

SOLD FOR: $1,230.00

LSB#: WY250329CC001

Make: Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company

Model: 1861 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion

Serial Number: 12117

Year of Manufacture: 1863, later cartridge conversion (Antique)

Caliber: .36 Caliber, converted to metallic cartridge (.38 rimfire/centerfire typical)

Action Type: Single Action Revolver, 6-Shot

Barrel Length: 7 ½” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch cut into the hammer nose.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “36 CAL”. The trigger guard is additionally stamped with a small “2”. The bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are all serial-matched “12117”. The butt is also numbered “12117”. The conversion breechplate is unnumbered, consistent with period conversions.

Barrel Condition: The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling. There is scattered erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: The revolver has worn to a smooth gray patina with scattered nicks, dings, and handling wear. The cylinder scene is mostly worn away. The brass trigger guard and backstrap display dings, scratches, and an aged mustard patina. The screw heads range from serviceable to disfigured. Importantly, there is a visible crack in the frame web just forward of the trigger guard at the arbor slot. The markings are clear where present. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition as an Antique.

Grips: The one-piece walnut grip has been refinished and shows scattered small dings, scratches, and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with moderate play. The hammer has a strong mainspring and holds at half and full cock. The conversion breechplate is intact and functional. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Due to the noted frame crack, we strongly recommend this revolver be inspected by a competent gunsmith before any attempt at firing.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:
The Colt 1861 Navy is one of the most elegant and scarce percussion revolvers Colt ever produced, with only about 38,800 manufactured compared to over 200,000 of the earlier 1851 Navy. Produced during the Civil War era, the 1861 Navy’s streamlined round barrel and rebated frame gave it a sleeker, more modern profile. Many of these revolvers saw hard service in the field and later entered Colt’s conversion program as metallic cartridge handguns.

This example, serial 12117, was manufactured in 1863 as a percussion revolver and later converted to fire metallic cartridges in the Richards-Mason style. The all-matching serial numbers across frame, barrel, trigger guard, and backstrap add to its desirability. While the finish is worn and the cylinder scene is largely gone, the revolver retains an even, honest patina consistent with its age and use.

The presence of a frame crack ahead of the trigger guard must be noted. While this affects its suitability for firing, it does not diminish its value as a historical and collectible artifact. As a display piece, it offers collectors a scarce opportunity to own an 1861 Navy Richards-Mason conversion — a revolver that bridges the percussion and cartridge eras and represents one of Colt’s most graceful designs.

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