Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver 36 Cal. 7.5” Barrel 1869 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,045.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK110
Make: Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Model: 1851 Navy (Fourth Model)
Serial Number: 208957
Year of Manufacture: 1869 (Antique)
Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings:
The top of the octagonal barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT.” The left side of the trigger guard is marked “36 CAL.” The cylinder retains a faintly visible naval engagement scene with the marking “COLT’S PATENT No. 957.” Matching serial numbers “208957” are found on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and wedge.
Barrel Length: 7.5 Inches
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a German silver blade that has been slightly reduced from period use. A contemporary-to-period semi-buckhorn rear sight has been neatly added to the top rear of the barrel. It presents a functional and sympathetic addition, consistent in age and patina with the rest of the revolver.
Grip Configuration & Condition:
The one-piece walnut grip is hand-fitted and exhibits smooth, even wear from service handling. The surface shows light compressions and scattered minor marks with traces of an old varnish finish. There are no cracks or repairs, and the wood has darkened attractively around the brass straps with age.
Type of Finish: Originally Blued and Case Hardened, now aged to a uniform gray-brown patina.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition:
The bore is dark with visible rifling, heavy erosion and light frosting along the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition:
This revolver retains approximately 5% of its original metal surfaces, in protected areas, now presenting an even patina with scattered oxidation and age toning. The barrel edges have softened slightly from holster wear, and the cylinder scene remains discernible. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have aged to a mellow mustard tone. The screws are sound with mild tool marks. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition for an authentic late-production 1851 Navy.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly with solid lockup and a crisp hammer. The cylinder indexes properly, and the hammer holds securely in half- and full-cock. The wedge screw is broken and will not retain the barrel assembly in place. 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:
The Colt Model 1851 Navy remains one of the most recognizable and historically significant percussion revolvers ever produced. Designed by Samuel Colt and manufactured between 1850 and 1873, it served with distinction during the Civil War and continued into postwar frontier use. This example, serial number 208957, was produced in 1869, placing it among the final percussion models before Colt’s transition to metallic cartridge designs. It displays matching serial numbers throughout, an authentic Fourth Model barrel address, and a sympathetically added semi-buckhorn rear sight—an interesting period modification consistent with the era’s evolving sighting preferences.
The .36 caliber Navy was favored for its balance and controllable recoil, striking an ideal compromise between the compact 1849 Pocket Model and the heavier .44 caliber Army. The naval engagement scene on the cylinder, conceived by engraver Waterman Ormsby, paid tribute to the Republic of Texas Navy and became one of Colt’s most enduring symbols.
Despite the broken wedge screw, this revolver retains its integrity as an original, late-production Colt percussion arm with honest age, crisp markings, and strong mechanical character. It embodies the craftsmanship and enduring legacy that made Colt a household name in both the American military and civilian markets.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
