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LOT 194
Outstanding Documented Cased Colt Model 1861 Hartford/London Navy Percussion Revolver with Rare Iron Grip Straps - Serial no. 19628L, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver, officially the “New Model Navy or Belt pistol,” is among the hardest to find of the Colt percussion revolvers, even more so in exceptional condition. Only 38,843
were manufactured compared to approximately 200,500 Model 1860 Armys. They are justly considered to be among the most attractive of all Colt percussion revolvers if
not the most attractive and are a streamlined version of the iconic Colt Model 1851 Navy, which was one of Colt’s most popular percussion revolvers. This exceptional Colt Model 1891 Navy percussion revolver was previously in the prestigious Norm Flayderman collection and was manufactured in 1864. The revolver features a rare, highly sought after large round iron trigger guard and back strap. The iron grip frames were normally found in a limited amount of Model 1861 Navy revolvers sold through Colt’s London Agency with British proof marks (London Models) or the iron back strap on the shoulder stock revolvers, which was only about 100. While this example was not cut for a stock, it is one of the limited number of Model 1861s that were sold in England. London proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel, top of the barrel at the breech, and at the rear of the cylinder between each of the chambers. The letter “L,” which indicated that the revolver was marketed to the Colt London agency, appears near the serial number of the major
components (frame, barrel, trigger guard, and back strap).
The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and is stamped with the one-line Colt New York address: “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” on top. The left side of the frame is stamped “COLTS/PATENT.” The cylinder has the standard naval battle scene. The trigger guard has the correct “36 CAL” stamp
on the left shoulder. It has the matching full or partial serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, arbor pin, and back
strap channel of the grip. The grip is varnished walnut. Accompanied by a partitioned English oak case with a blue velvet lining and a blank inscription
medallion on the lid. The case contains a rare Dixon & Sons bag flask marked “COLTS NAVY FLASK,” Eley Brothers cap tin, a package of six combustible envelope .36 caliber cartridges for either Colt and Whitney belt pistol, a
blued two cavity bullet mold marked “COLT’S PATENT” on the sprue cutter and “36P” on the right side, and blued “L” shaped combination tool. Case key is absent. According to Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson, Colt
sold only a few Model 1861s in England and even fewer were cased (“The Book of Colt Firearms,” page 169).
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel retains 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with minor handling marks mostly at the wedge.
The cylinder retains nearly all of the crisp naval scene. The grip straps retain 90% bright original high polish blue finish. The frame retains
85% vivid original case colors. 30% original case colors remain on the hammer. 40% plus original case colors
remain on the loading lever. The grip is also excellent with minor handling marks and
most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handling/storage
marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. The powder flask is very fine, retaining 95% original lacquer
finish and 60% original gilt. Mold is
excellent retaining 90% original blue finish. This cased Hartford/London Colt
Model 1861 percussion revolver would be hard to improve upon. An exceptional
example of one of Colt’s classic percussion arms that will be a standout piece to even the most
advanced collection.
Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000