Colt 1851 Pocket Navy Conversion 38 Rimfire 4.5″ SA Revolver 1850 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: WY250424JK008
Make: Colt
Model: 1851 Pocket Navy Conversion
Serial Number: 473
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1850 (Converted 1870s)
Caliber: .38 Rimfire (Converted from .36 Cal Cap & Ball)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, 5-Shot Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW YORK US AMERICA” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT JULY 25, 1871. PAT JULY 2, 1872” The left side of the trigger guard is marked “36 CAL” The bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and butt of the frame is marked “473”
Barrel Length: 4.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass cone fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow groove in the hammer nose.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are 2 smooth wood panels. There are light handling marks and shrinkage from age. There are no cracks. The grip rates in Very Good condition for a 175 year old pistol.
Type of Finish: Blued / Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with worn rifling. There is light erosion and light pitting scattered along the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 0% of its metal finish. The balance shows patina, oxidation, and handling wear throughout. The wagon scene is still visible on the cylinder. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are faint but mostly legible. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The cylinder does not turn. The hammer does not move when the trigger is pulled. The hammer does lock back and the cylinder spins freely. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Colt 1851 Pocket Navy Conversion is a rare survivor from the transitional period between cap-and-ball and metallic cartridge revolvers. Originally manufactured circa 1850, this revolver was converted in the 1870s to fire the then-modern .38 Rimfire cartridge. With its early four-digit serial number “473” matching across the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt, this example offers collectors a remarkable opportunity to own a genuine factory conversion by Colt during one of the most significant technological shifts in firearms development.
Despite showing no remaining original finish, the revolver retains its character through an even brown patina and visible period wear consistent with its age. The frame markings noting the 1871 and 1872 conversion patents, along with the classic “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW YORK US AMERICA” barrel marking, are still discernible. Impressively, the original cylinder scene—often long gone on similar pieces—is still partially visible. The smooth wood grips show only mild handling marks and age shrinkage, rating in Very Good condition for a 175-year-old revolver with no cracks or chips.
Mechanically, the revolver is currently non-functional. The cylinder does not index, and the hammer does not fall when the trigger is pulled, though it does lock back, and the cylinder rotates freely when not under tension. As such, this revolver is best suited as a collector’s display piece or a candidate for careful restoration. We did not test fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
This revolver represents a rarely seen and historically important bridge between Colt’s percussion lineage and the rise of cartridge-fed handguns. With its original components, antique status, and early conversion features, it stands out as a worthy centerpiece in any advanced collection of American firearms. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid -M.C.
