Civil War-Era Colt Model 1851 Navy .36 Cal Percussion Revolver 1863 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,300.01

Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

Serial Number: 146759

Year of Manufacture: 1863 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball

Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “- ADDRESS COL. SAMLCOLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-”. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “P” and “36 CAL”. The bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap are each marked “146759”. The cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene and “PATENT No 146759”, the serial marking appears to have been marked over a previous number. The bottom of the arbor is marked “46759”, the bottom of the wedge “6759” and the top of the loading lever “6759”. The backstrap inlet of the grip has “675” hand-written, there is a patch of wear which may explain the missing “9”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2?, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead mounted to 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. The grip has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, more concentrated on the bottom face. There is scattered thinning finish. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color & Silver Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Little finish remains, but we do not see signs of a new finish being applied. The cylinder serial marking does not appear original, there may be other force-matched parts.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling shows wear, but is generally well defined. There is scattered light-moderate erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates about 4 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 3% of its metal finish, mostly silver remaining on the grip frame under he grip. Exposed surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered surface erosion. There are scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. There are tool marks around the wedge on each side and at most screws. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with moderate play on each chamber. The barrel has minor play to the frame. 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 1851 Navy revolver was produced by Colt up until 1873 when Colt cartridge revolvers were introduced. It got its name from the Navy battle scene on the cylinder that Colt added to commemorate the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche in 1843. Texas had previously ordered the Colt Paterson revolver, Colts first big success, and Colt wished to show gratitude. The 1851 Navy was carried as a belt gun by armies on both sides in the Civil War and was a favorite of General Robert E. Lee.

This revolver is a Colt Model 1851 made in 1863 at the height of the Civil War. This revolver shows its age, but is certainly in better shape than any of us will be at 160 years old! We only wish it could tell us its story. It will make a nice display piece with other Civil War era small arms or a good candidate for a challenging restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud