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LOT 173
Exceptional Cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Very Rare Documented Matching Canteen Shoulder Stock and Colt Factory Letter - Serial
no. 125535, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1862, this shoulder stocked Colt M1851 revolver was the premier medium caliber Colt handgun of the percussion era. The top barrel flat is marked “--ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA--”, left side of the lug has “Crown/V” and “Crown/GP” proofs, and the left upper rear of the trigger guard bow is marked “6”. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas/Mexico naval scene and alternating proofs between the chambers. There is a “H” marked on the cylinder as well just behind the “COLTS PATENT 5535” panel. The frame is marked “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side. The matching serial number “125535” is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap, the partial serial number “5535” is marked on the cylinder, and the wedge is miss-matched. Fitted with smooth one piece walnut grips. Complete in an oak case with brass fitting and brass corner protectors, an
inset brass disc surrounded by a brass ring on the lid and paper “Directions” label affixed
to the inside of the lid. The case is divided into nine compartments with green felt lining and comes with a canteen stock with matching serial number marked on the lower tang
of the attaching brass and on the tang of the buttplate, all fittings are brass with silver plated buttplate. In addition, the case contains a metal cleaning rod with a metal handle,
“L” shaped nipple wrench/screwdriver, an iron bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue, a James Dixon brown lacquer finished bag shaped flask marked “COLTS NAVY FLASK”, a nickel oiler and a large W. & C. Eley percussion cap tin. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, blue finish, stocks “Not Listed”, the canteen style stock and that it was shipped as one of 40 to Colts London Agency, 14 Pall Mall, London, England on June 6, 1862. Writer has never seen a Colt factory letter documenting the aforementioned “Canteen style shoulder stock” feature. What a find!