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LOT 187
Stunning Civil War Era Civilian Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Special Order
Antique Checkered Ivory Grip - Serial no. 128321, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/
silver finish, antique checkered ivory grips. This attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was
manufactured in 1863 and has the “I” suffix stamped above and below the main serial numbers on
the barrel and frame used to indicate a special order grip like the one-piece factory checkered grip
found on this revolver. It may have been special ordered by or for a Union Army officer, as the Model
1851 Navy was the standard sidearm of the period. The Colt “Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber”
was designed between 1847 and 1850 and was initially called the Ranger Model, with 215,348
reportedly manufactured between 1850-1873. It has a brass cone front sight,
“-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” along the top
of the barrel, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, “2” on the
left side of the trigger guard bow, and the standard Naval Battle of
Campeche cylinder scene. Matching visible serial numbers marked
on the loading lever, barrel, wedge, cylinder pin, cylinder, frame,
trigger guard, and butt.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus original blue
finish on the barrel, 60% plus original blue finish on the cylinder
with smooth brown patina on the balance, vivid original case
colors showing in some of the protected areas with a slightly
muted appearance on the balance, 50% plus original silver plating
concentrated on the trigger guard/front strap with an untouched
tarnished original appearance and attractive bright golden patina
on the balance of the exposed brass, retaining all of the cylinder
safety pins with sharp cylinder scene, markings and edges in the
metal overall. Grip is very fine with crisp checkering, a few darkened age
line cracks visible on both sides, and tight fitment. Mechanically excellent. This
attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with special order checkered grip would
make a fine addition to any Colt collection!
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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