USHS Robert E. Lee Commemorative Colt 1851 Navy .36 Cal 7 1/2” Revolver

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

LSB#: LSB260128MC012

Make: Williamsburg Firearms for the United States Historical Society

Model: 1851 Navy 

Serial Number: 25

Year of Manufacture: 1984

Caliber: .36 Caliber

Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Lee”. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame. There is extensive engraving and gold inlay throughout. 

Barrel Length: 7 1/2” 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass mortise cone at the end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut with Robert E. Lee medallions inlaid. There is very light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Gold

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original finish. There is very minor handling wear. There is a slight drag line on the cylinder. The screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Wood presentation box with cap tin, powder flask, Robert E Lee coin, gold plated balls, and key.

Our Assessment: The USHS Robert E. Lee Commemorative Colt 1851 Navy is a late 20th century presentation revolver produced in 1984 for The United States Historical Society, built on the classic 1851 Navy pattern that became one of the most widely recognized sidearms of the mid-19th century. The original 1851 Navy earned its reputation for balance, accuracy, and reliability, and remained in use through the Civil War and into the frontier period. This commemorative variant elevates that historic design with extensive engraving and gold inlay, reflecting a collector-focused approach rather than a utilitarian military configuration. The association with Robert E. Lee ties the piece to the broader historical narrative of the Civil War era, while the revolver itself maintains the traditional .36 caliber percussion system that defined the original model.

This example, serial number 25, represents an early number within the production run and retains approximately 99% of its original blued and gold-accented finish. The engraving remains sharp and well-defined, and the gold inlay provides strong visual contrast against the polished surfaces. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 10/10, indicating little to no use. The smooth walnut grips with inlaid medallions remain in Excellent condition, showing only minimal handling wear. A faint cylinder drag line is present, but overall the revolver exhibits very little evidence of handling or operation. The markings are clear, and the screws remain sharp, contributing to the strong overall presentation.

Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly, maintaining the crisp single action operation characteristic of Colt percussion designs. The included wood presentation case and accessories, including the powder flask, cap tin, commemorative coin, gold-plated balls, and key, complete the display and reinforce its role as a commemorative set. This revolver stands as a highly decorative and well-preserved example of Colt’s commemorative offerings, combining historical inspiration with presentation-grade craftsmanship. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF