Page 216 - 4091-BOOK1

LOT 207
Very Scarce U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 59231, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. Reportedly 2,640 Model 1851 Navy revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Navy between June 1856 through September 1859, of the approximately 215,000 total Model 1851 Navy revolvers manufactured in
Hartford. This “Navy-Navy” revolver was
manufactured in 1856 and has “U.S.N.” above “J.L.H.” stamped on the butt of the back
strap indicating it was inspected by Commander James L. Henderson, active at Norfolk Navy Yard between June 1857 to April 1861. Many of these were later converted for use with metallic cartridges by the Navy, with this example still remaining in its percussion configuration. Features the distinctive iron grip frame, a post front sight, “-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-” on top of the barrel, the Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder roll-scene, “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” on the left of the frame, and all matching visible serial numbers including properly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise.
CONDITION: Very good with smooth gray and brown patina overall, with traces of original case colors, a few patches of minor pitting, and defined cylinder scene, edges and markings in the iron overall. Grip is very fine with some light handling marks and nicks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 209
Civil War U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 4495, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This revolver was sold to the United States Navy Department and shipped to the Commanding Officer at the U.S. Navy Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1862, in a shipment of 200 1861 Navy revolvers. The revolver has traces of the standard one line New York barrel address, “COLTS / PATENT” on the left side of the frame, and “36 CAL” on the left side of the trigger guard. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene. Matching serial number are on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the partial serial number “495” is on the wedge. The wedge screw is missing. Only several hundred of these revolvers were sold to the Navy during the Civil War.
CONDITION: Very good. The revolver has a smooth dark patina with even light spotting primarily on the barrel and some pin prick pitting primarily on the barrel and cylinder. The cylinder scene is faint. The brass has a fine aged patina. The re-oiled grip is also very good with the exception of a chipped toe and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically functional but needs some work as it does not properly hold half cock.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 210
U.S. Navy Richards-Mason Cartridge Conversion Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 6557, 38 CF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver was originally manufactured in 1861 and is one of just a few hundred ‘61 Navies purchased for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, subsequently converted for use with metallic cartridges for the navy in the mid-1870s. These were used through the late 19th century before being replaced by the Colt Model 1889 Navy and New Navy revolvers. Features a German silver blade front sight, New York barrel address, “R.W.M.” and an anchor on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, “PAT. JULY. 25, 1871./PAT. JULY. 2, 1872.” stamped on the left of the frame on top of the original “COLT/PATENT” marking, “36 CAL” on the left of the trigger guard, “89529/557” marked on the cylinder, “1170” on the loading gate, “6557” on the barrel, frame, and grip straps.
CONDITION: Very good plus with 25% of the factory refurbished case colors visible on the frame, attractive golden aged patina on the grip straps, 20% blue finish on the barrel and ejector housing, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, generally mild overall wear as expected for a U.S. Navy sidearm, with a defined cylinder scene. Grip is also very good with numerous scattered dings and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Only a few hundred of these were purchased for the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War, and they remained in service for many years, making them difficult to find in this condition.
Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 208
U.S. Navy Colt Model 1851 Navy
Cartridge Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 59829, 38 CF cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
between 1873-1880. Brass bead front and hammer notch rear sights, with the one-line New York address
on the barrel, spring-loaded ejector on the right side.
The frame is double stamped, with “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.”
covered with a 1871/1872 “Two July” patent marking,
and the butt is stamped “U*S*N”. The hammer and recoil
shield are configured for center fire, with a smooth one-
piece walnut grip. Barrel, frame and cylinder number 59829. Back
strap and trigger guard number 62347.
CONDITION: Very good as assembled, with 20% of the factory
refurbished blue finish, showing a number of dings on and around the
wedge and ejector, mild spotting overall, and pitting around the breech
and muzzle. The frame shows 30% of the original case colors, with the remainder a
mixed gray. Includes some mixed/force-matched components. Grip is very good as revarnished, with some dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection.
214 Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750