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AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN ARMS COLLECTORS: PERCUSSION
COLTS AND THEIR RIVALS - THE AL CALI COLLECTION BY WILSON
LOT 1153
Exceptional Documented Cased Colt “Pocket Navy” Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 13927, 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This model has been known to collectors by various names over the years, including Model of 1853, Model 1862 Pocket Navy, Pocket Model 1865 of Navy Caliber, Pocket Model of Navy Caliber, and most simply: the Pocket Navy. The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture also remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a “Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber” manufactured within the same range as Police revolvers. However, the Colt Collector’s Association now lists this model as manufactured from 1865 until 1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000 suggesting this revolver dates closer to 1870. Regardless of the specific name or date, these are rare and definitely desirable Colts and are difficult to find in high condition, especially in the exceptionally fine condition of this revolver, given these revolvers were meant to be carried and used. This revolver is featured in “American Arms Collectors: Percussion Colts and Their Rivals - The Al Cali Collection” by R.L. Wilson on page 79. It has the classic Colt percussion revolver finish combination of rich blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, case colors on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, niter blue on the screws and trigger, silver-plated brass grip straps, and a high polish “piano” varnish finish on the one-piece walnut grip. It also features a small cone front sight, “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA” on top of the barrel, the stagecoach roll scene on the cylinder, standard Colt patent markings, and “N” and “36 CAL” on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, and grip straps. The loading lever is blank. The grip was not removed out of caution but almost certainly has a matching number in black ink written in the back strap mortise. The revolver comes in a hardwood case with an Eley Bros. cap tin, “COLTS/PATENT” marked blued ball/bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, and a pocket sized powder flask with eagle design on both sides. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 80% plus of the bright original blue finish, 90% plus original case colors, 95% original silver on the trigger guard, 20% original silver on the back strap, aged patinas on the silver and brass, distinct cylinder scene, and minor marks and scratches. The grip is excellent and has nearly all of the original high gloss “piano” varnish remaining, faint handling marks, and very slight edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good and have mild age and storage related wear, including a few dings on the flask, some scratches and dings on the case, and contact wear on the lining. The flask and mold retain nearly all of their finish. This is a very attractive Colt Pocket Navy revolver complete with a case and accessories. It is difficult to find cased Colt Pocket Navy revolvers, especially in this high level of condition. Provenance: The Chris Anderson Collection; The Al Cali Collection; The Norm Vegely Collection. Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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