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LOT 276
Exceptional Civil War Era Presentation Cased Pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion
Revolvers with Ivory Grips -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 169060, 36 cal., 7 1/2
inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, ivory grips. This exceptional presentation cased
pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers were manufactured in 1863 during the midst of the American
Civil War. Only a very limited number of Colt revolvers were paired overall and these pairs were
generally not consecutively numbered, including these revolvers which are only 107 serial numbers
apart with 169060 and 169167. This pair of civilian Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers was likely intended
for presentation to an important Colt employee or a prominent individual. The Colt “Revolving Belt
Pistol of Naval Caliber” was designed between 1847-1850 and was initially called the Ranger Model, with
215,348 in total reportedly manufactured between 1850-1873, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5B-050
through 5B-061). Each revolver features a factory ivory grip, the classic combination of high polish blue, casehardened, and silver plated finishes,
the one-line New York barrel address, standard Colt patent markings, the classic Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder roll-scene, a brass cone front
sight, and matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, butt, and cylinder. They are accompanied with their original mahogany presentation
case with a fitted felt lined interior containing a “COLTS/PATENT” marked powder flask, two cavity bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue
cutter, “L” shaped combination tool, Eley Bros cap tin, four cartridge packs, and some lead balls.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 70% original case colors, traces of original silver plated finish
in protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap with attractive golden aged patina on the brass, some brown freckling, and crisp markings
and cylinder scene. Grip is excellent, with highly attractive natural grain, a few light handling marks, and distinct edges. Intermittently requires extra
effort to engage the final click; otherwise, mechanically functions. Case is fine, with general age related wear and storage handling marks, and the
accessories are fine to very fine, with one absent lid on one of the cartridge packs.
B) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 169167, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, ivory grips. Described in “A”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 75% original case colors, traces of original silver plated finish
in protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap with attractive golden aged patina on the brass, some brown freckling, and crisp markings and
cylinder scene. Grip is excellent, with highly attractive natural grain, some light handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This is a
highly attractive presentation cased pair of ivory gripped Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers!
Provenance: The Jim Eplen Collection.
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000