Factory Engraved Colt Signature 1861 Navy .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,245.00
WOA#: WY240409WOA003
Make: Colt, 3rd Generation “Signature Series”
Model: 1861 Navy, Factory Engraved
Serial Number: 44854
Year of Manufacture: 1994 – 2002
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Cylinder, Percussion
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The left of the frame is marked “COLT’S / PATENT”. The serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard, and barrel assembly. The backstrap has a Sam Colt signature. The left of the trigger guard is marked “369 CAL”. The butt and wedge are marked “854”. We were not able to remove the barrel assembly to inspect for additional markings on the cylinder or arbor. The revolver has factory scroll engraving on the barrel, lever, cylinder, frame, hammer and grip frame.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade at the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece walnut with the right side checkered and the left carved with an American Eagle. The grip has only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray, the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some scattered minor scuffing and infrequent very faint surface oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings and engravings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lock up has a minimal amount of play when fully cocked and the barrel has no play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a 3rd Generation “Signature Series” Model 1861 Navy revolver made between 1994 and 2002. While some forgings or small parts were supplied by subcontractors, all of the completed pistols were produced to Colt’s strict specifications and quality control with final inspection performed by Colt, with the result that despite some work being performed outside the Colt factory, collectors tend to regard these revolvers as original Colts rather than reproductions. The Colt Navy was designed as a heavier, more robust version of the earlier Colt Pocket revolver. The 1861 was an improvement over the 1851 with a rounded barrel, and sturdier ratchet style loading lever assembly based on the 1860 Army. It has a six-shot cylinder and a 7 1/2″ rounded barrel, also more similar to the 1860 than the 1851.
This is a beautiful example, finished in full blue with factory engraving. The frame is a “4 screw” and has a cut out for a shoulder stock on the bottom of the grip. This “Signature Series” 1861 Navy is inscribed on the backstrap with Sam Colt’s name. This is a gorgeous reproduction of an American classic firearm that holds true to the markings and dimensions of an original Colt Navy. Whether you’re looking for a nice item for display or an attractive percussion revolver to blow some smoke on the range, this 1861 Navy will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
