Colt 1851 Navy 3rd Gen. 150th Anniversary Model .36 Cal Cap & Ball Revolver
SOLD FOR: $3,725.00
LSB#: LSB260218HG042
Make: Colt
Model: 1851 Colt Navy 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 023
Year of Manufacture: 2000-2002
Caliber: .36 Cal
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Cap & Ball
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with”ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY”. The left side of the frame is marked with the gold-washed initials “CCC”. The bottom of the barrel, frame, and trigger guard are marked with the serial number. There are gold-washed sailing ships on each side of the barrel. The cylinder is engraved with the naval Battle of Capeche, “ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843”, and “COLT’S PATENT No. 023” / “ENGRAVED BY W.L. ORMSBY NEW YORK”. The barrel, frame, trigger guard, hammer and back strap are all engraved with american-style scroll work with a dot-punched background, covering approximately 70% of the metal surfaces.
Barrel Length: 7.5″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass mortise cone fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a ‘V’ notch located on the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one-piece grips are elephant ivory with a carved anchor and line in front of two crossed cannons. There is no noticeable wear, though the grips have shrunk, and are loose due to ageing. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel and frame are blued. The cylinder, loading lever, plunger, and hammer are gold-plated as well as the front, back straps and trigger guard.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling.This appears to not have been fired. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The screws are strong and unused, with only one on the butt showing signs of use. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire 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 is one of the most iconic percussion revolvers of the 19th century, introduced in 1850 and carried extensively through the Civil War and frontier era. Chambered in .36 caliber, it offered a balance of accuracy, handling, and practical effectiveness that made it a preferred sidearm of its time. The 3rd Generation Colt black powder revolvers, produced around the turn of the 21st century, represent a refined continuation of this legacy, with special editions such as this 150th Anniversary Model celebrating the historical significance of the design. These commemorative examples often feature enhanced finishes and embellishments, reflecting the presentation-grade arms that would have been prized during the original period of use.
This beautiful commemorative piece presents in about Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with minimal signs of handling. The revolver is richly embellished with extensive scroll engraving and gold-plated components, complemented by gold-washed accents and the classic Battle of Campeche naval engagement scene on the cylinder. The elephant ivory grips, carved with a nautical motif, remain free of chips or cracks, though they exhibit some shrinkage and looseness consistent with natural material over time. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and appears unfired, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion, and the action functions correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY