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LOT 3219
Scarce Pre-Civil War U.S.
Navy Inspected Colt Model
1851 “Navy-Navy” Percussion
Revolver with Research - Serial no. 89482, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is a solid representative example of a rare U.S. Navy
issue “Fourth Model” Colt Model 1851 percussion revolver, manufactured in 1858. Most of these Navy issued, also
known as “Navy-Navy,” examples were converted to metallic cartridge configurations after the Civil War, making unaltered percussion examples
particularly rare. Only approximately 2,650 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Navy between June 1856 and September 1859.
This revolver has the distinctive iron grip frame with large trigger guard, post front sight, hammer nose rear sight, three-screw frame and percussion
cut-out without a capping groove. The top barrel flat is marked “-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-”, with “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” on the left of the
frame. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval battle scene. All matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard,
butt, loading lever, cylinder, cylinder pin, wedge and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The iron butt is marked “USN” and the left bottom flat of the grip is
stamped with “I/GWR” inspection initials of George W. Rodgers. Includes a modern cloth sleeve, and consignor supplied research and some scanned copies of related articles.
CONDITION: Very good, with mottled brown and gray patina overall, some scattered areas of light pitting, period dings visible around the wedge, and defined markings in the metal including the cylinder
scene. Grip is also very good with scattered light dings and scratches, and clearly legible stamps on bottom. Wedge screw is a non-factory replacement. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3218
Scarce U.S. Contract Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with “U.S. DRAGOONS”
Marked Cylinder - Serial no. 6838, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This
First Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1849. Only around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured between 1848-1849,
and they are important pieces in Colt firearms history as one of the massive “holster pistols” manufactured by Colt following the famous Colt
Walker revolvers of 1847. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons in the
antebellum era and were also popular in the west. The first models were followed by 2,700 Second Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model
Dragoons. All of the Dragoon models saw considerable use during both the antebellum period and the Civil War. The barrel has a German silver
blade front sight and “ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK CITY” reading from the breech towards
the muzzle. The cylinder has the Texas Ranger and Comanche Indian battle scene, the correct oval
stop slots of the First Model Dragoons, and the scarce and desirable “U.S. DRAGOONS” marking rather
than the more commonly seen “U.S.M.R.” marking. The frame has “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” stamped
on the left. Single letter inspection marks on various components. No cartouches visible on the
grip. All matching visible serial numbers on the loading lever, wedge, cylinder, barrel, frame,
trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very good, retains strong traces of original blue finish concentrated on the
protected areas of the barrel with sharp markings, with smooth brown patina on the balance, a
well-defined original cylinder scene, and traces of original silver plated finish visible in protected
areas of the trigger guard and backstrap with bright golden patina on the brass. Grip is also
very good as sanded and re-oiled, with a few dings. Does not properly remain in full cock, needs
work, otherwise mechanically functions.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000