Civil War Colt Model 1851 Navy .36 Cal 7.5″Percussion Revolver 1868 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,000.00

LSB#:  LSB251205WO015

Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy 

Serial Number: 206957

Year of Manufacture: 18687 / Antique ()

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 side of the trigger guard is marked “36CAL”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard and butt are each marked “206957”.  The cylinder is marked with the remnants “957”

Barrel Length: 7.5” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a worn silver blade at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the hammer.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood grips. There is minimal finish left on the wood. There are scratches, dings and compression marks on both grip panels.There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Good to fair condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Brass, Case Color

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn but still visible. There is heavy oxidation and  erosion in the barrel and cylinder chambers. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 2/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains none of its current metal finish and its blued or case colored parts are now in the white.  There is old pitting throughout the barrel, cylinder and hammer.  The markings are still clear but the roll markings on the cylinder have worn off.  The condition of the brass trigger guard and backstrap are Very Good but they have dings throughout. The screw heads are marred but still serviceable.  Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some side to side  play. The barrel assembly has no play to the frame. The loading lever functions correctly. 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 Model 1851 Navy is one of the most iconic American percussion revolvers of the 19th century, widely associated with westward expansion and Civil War service. Introduced in 1850, the 1851 Navy was chambered in .36 caliber and featured a streamlined octagonal barrel and open-top frame design that made it lighter and better balanced than the earlier Dragoon models. Its naval engagement scene roll-marked on the cylinder became a signature element of the model. Production continued through the Civil War and into the postwar period, with later production revolvers such as this 1868 example reflecting Colt’s continued commercial success even after metallic cartridge revolvers began to emerge. The 7.5 inch barrel and single-action cap-and-ball operation represent the classic configuration that made this model a favorite among soldiers, civilians, and lawmen alike.

This revolver shows significant age and honest antique wear. The metal surfaces have turned to a natural patina with no remaining visible blue or case color, and the barrel, cylinder, and hammer exhibit old pitting throughout. The cylinder scene has worn away, though the primary barrel and frame markings remain legible. The brass trigger guard and backstrap retain an attractive aged tone with scattered dings. The smooth wood grips show heavy finish loss with scratches and compression marks but remain free from cracks or chips. The bore is dark with worn rifling, heavy oxidation, and erosion in both the barrel and chambers, rating approximately 2/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Mechanically, the action functions correctly with some side-to-side play at lockup, while the barrel assembly remains solid to the frame. The loading lever operates properly and the trigger pull is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all antique firearms, careful inspection and appropriate maintenance should be performed prior to any attempt at firing. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF