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LOT 1201
Cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Beautiful Ivory Grip - Serial no. 68335, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, antique ivory grips. This revolver dates to 1857 during the antebellum era and has a desirable one-piece ivory
grip and the corresponding apostrophe mark above or below the serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. All of
the visible serial numbers are matching. The barrel has a brass cone front sight, “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” marked on top,
and a “2” on the left side of the lug. Another “2” along with a small “G” are on the left side of the trigger guard. The cylinder has the classic
Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene. The small “COLTS/PATENT” marking is on the left side of the frame. The large round trigger guard and
back strap are iron finished with silver plating (both very scarce features!). The barrel, cylinder, and small parts are high polish blue. The
loading lever, frame, and hammer are color casehardened. The mahogany case contains a “COLTS/PATENT” martial pattern powder flask
with a sloped charger, blued Colt patent mold and L-shaped combination tool, cartridge pack, bullets, and an Eley Bros. cap tin. The Colt
Model 1851 Navy was one of Colt’s most popular models and saw widespread use throughout the United States and abroad in 1850s to
1870s, including by famous western gunslingers such as Wild Bill Hickok who favored a pair of ivory handled ‘51 Navy revolvers.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 80% plus of the original finish and generally only minor age and handling related wear. The barrel
has some small spots of flaking, one side of the cylinder has loss from resting in the case, and there is some slight patination on the
casehardened frame and loading lever arm. The silver on the back strap and trigger guard displays natural dark aged patina and some
minor flaking from age. The markings remain distinct. The grip is very fine with some slight shrinkage from age, small chips at the
toe, light scratches, a darkened vertical age line on the right, and minor age lines at the butt and displays attractive natural colors.
Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with re-glued partitions and mild age and storage related wear. The accessories are fine with
scattered dings on the flask.
Provenance: The Jim Eplen Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000