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LOT 1149
Extremely Rare and Exceptionally Fine Cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Thuer Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 206636, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This is an extremely high condition example of
an extremely rare Thuer conversion of a Colt Model 1851 Navy circa 1869-1872. This type of metallic cartridge conversion was a designed by F. Alexander Thuer, occurred at the Colt factory with production in six different models totaling around 5,000 in all, and represented Colt’s first production centerfire revolvers. Original examples in high condition are scarce and highly sought after. The conversion ring rotates which allows the
user to safely carry the revolver fully loaded with the hammer down and has the 1868 patent marking on the left as well as the typical script “E”. These conversions fired specially designed Thuer cartridges that loaded from the front. The percussion cylinder was altered with the removal of the rear section and the addition of a conversion ring featuring a rebounding
firing pin. The top of the barrel carries the one-line New York address. London proofmarks are on the left side of the barrel and on the cylinder between each chamber at the rear. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the standard naval battle scene and “COLTS PATENT” marking followed by the matching partial serial number “636.” The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS/ PATENT.” The left side of the trigger guard is marked “36 CAL.” The matching full or partial serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and arbor pin. The mismatched wedge has the number “5587,” and the loading lever is unnumbered. The revolver is fitted with a varnished walnut grip. Includes an English oak partitioned case featuring a Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and a blank
brass inscription disc on the exterior of the lid. The interior of the case is lined in green felt. The case contains the following accessories: percussion cylinder (no. 77343) featuring the naval scene, two cap tins, Navy size lubricating wad tin, oiler, “COLT’S/ PATENT” marked conical and ball bullet mold, case key, “L” shaped combination tool, Thuer cartridge loading fixture parts, and full count of 50 Navy metallic cartridges in correct period tin box with orange label.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with typical dings and scratches around the wedge. The Thuer conversion cylinder retains 25% of original blue mostly visible at the rear, otherwise a smooth brown-gray patina and nearly all of the naval scene remaining. The Thuer collar retains 95% original blue finish. The frame retains 85% vivid original case colors. 80% original case colors remain on the loading lever, and 70% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grip straps retain 97% original silver plating. The grip is excellent with scattered handling marks and retaining nearly all original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with numerous handling/storage marks, repaired partitioned walls, and some insect damage and high spot wear to the lining. The accessories are very fine overall. The added “accessory” percussion cylinder retains
60% original blue finish and most of the naval scene with
a couple patches of pitting. Bullet mold and “L” shaped
tool each retain 80% original blue finish. High condition
Colt Model 1851 Navy Thuer conversion revolvers are
rarely encountered, and this beautiful example is a must have for the serious Colt collector.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000