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Desirable Cased Colt 1851 Navy Small Trigger Guard Percussion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Desirable Cased Colt 1851 Navy Small Trigger Guard Percussion Revolver
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Estimate: $7500 - 11000
This is an exceptionally fine example of a early, cased Colt M1851 Navy, small trigger guard, percussion revolver manufactured in late 1853. These were an extremely popular revolver for Colt's and were used extensively before, after and during the Civil War. This is actually a transition model with attributes of both the early and mid production 3rd models, with the thick barrel lug and small trigger guard. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the first pattern Colt legend: "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW. YORK CITY" -- in a single line with dashes at either end. The left side of the frame is rolled stamped with "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines, and the cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The full matching serial number "31891" is correctly stamped on the various components. The barrel, and cylinder, are blued, while the loading lever, frame and hammer are casehardened and it has the correct one-piece set of varnished walnut grips. As noted this pistol is complete with an original Colt five-compartment mahogany display case, with green felt lining that has the correct partitions for the small trigger guard. It is complete with a compliment of original accessories such as an brass powder flask and original Colt marked brass, double cavity bullet mold (ball and conical bullet) with iron sprue cutter, Colt nipple wrench and the small tin that holds a few percussion caps and key for the case.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: varnished walnut
Serial Number: 31891
Condition: Very fine overall with 85% plus original Colt blue finish on the barrel with edge and high spot wear overall with a small area of fine pitting on the top three flats of the front/muzzle end of the barrel. The cylinder retains 60%plus of the original faded blue finish. The cylinder itself shows great detail overall with all of the original factory Naval battle scene still visible with only the very tops of the ships masts just starting to wash out in some areas. The ships, their sails, back ground battle scene, and even the waves and water are all clearly visible. There is a prominent cylinder drag line however it is very consistent with the overall finish still remaining on the pistol. The safety tits and actual nipples are all in very good condition showing only minor flattening on a couple of them clearly indicating that the pistol has not been abused. The back strap and trigger guard show 80% of the original silver-plated finish overall and the loading lever and hammer have turned a gray patina and show traces of the case hardened finish in the protected area overall. The grips are in excellent condition showing 98% plus of their original varnish with just a slight amount of flaking on the edges of the grips next to the frame, and trigger guard area, with some minor light handling marks on the lower edges and high spots of the grips. The case is in fine condition with no damage to the corners or lid, the hinges are all intact and the interior green felt lining shows moderate wear on the dividers. The various accessories are all in very good condition. This is a very fine example of an early production cased Colt 1851 Navy percussion revolver.