Original Item: Only One Available: This is a fantastic LONDON marked Colt Model 1851 Navy percussion .36 caliber revolver, in lovely lightly used condition. The original finish has matured to a lovely gray patina overall, but there is no real rust peppering or more serious oxidation. It looks to have been well cared for over the years, and is even fitted with a fantastic figured wood grip, which is in great shape and very attractive. The "Naval Engagement" Cylinder scene is retained at about 50% and the COLTS PATENT № marking on the cylinder is still mostly present as well, though the "Engraved by W. L. Ormsby. New York" marking is just a "ghost" now. The COLTS PATENT marking on the frame is still crisp, and the revolver also shows FULLY MATCHING serial # 31769 on the Barrel, Grip, Frame, Cylinder, Loading Rammer, Cylinder Arbor Pin, barrel wedge, and trigger guard. It's very rare to see a revolver of this age without any replaced parts, though it does some with a spare cylinder of much more recent manufacture, which is marked 2 on the back, while the original cylinder is marked 1 on the back.

The top of the barrel marking on this example is still clear:

Actual production started in 1852 at Colt factory in the Pimlico area of London and stopped at the end of 1856. These had their own serial number sequence, which numbers recorded from approximately 1 to 42,000, though it does look like they did not use all numbers in the sequence. There is some debate over whether all parts were made in the UK, as it is known that early in production some parts from the Hartford plant were used. It seems however that for most of the production all of the parts were made at the London factory, and they are usually separated into different variations based on comparisons to the U.S. version of the Model 1851 Navy. With a serial number between under 37500, this is considered a "3rd Model", and has the correct arrows around the address marking, as well as the small bullet cutout on the bottom of the barrel assembly.

The cylinders both show British Proof marks to each chamber, either a Crown over V for "viewed" marking or the Crown over GP "gunmaker's proof" definitive black powder markings from the London Proof House, which alternate around the entire circumference. It also shows Crown over V "viewed" and Crown over P "proof" markings on the barrel by the wedge.

In very nice shape, the pistol really looks great, especially with the fantastic figured grip. The metalwork has a lovely dull gray patina from years of repeated cleanings. The revolver cycles beautifully, with accurate indexing and strong cylinder lock up. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers of this age, and the action is strong and tight. The barrel to frame connection is rock solid, and the barrel wedge removes easily, allowing the revolver to be stripped for cleaning. The cylinder arbor pin shows very little fouling, with the ridges on the helical groove still sharp, indicating it saw little to no use. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition, bright and shiny with signs of only light use, showing just a bit of irregularity from cleaning away fouling near the forcing cone. The progressive rifling is still easily visible, and this is honestly one of the best bores we have ever seen on a Colt percussion revolver. All six cap nipple cones are in great shape, showing only light use, with 5 of 6 clear, and one clogged with dirt.

To make this offering even better, it came to us with a fantastic custom wood case, which measures approximately 14 3/8" x 7 5/8" x 2 1/8", and has different compartments inside, all burgundy plush fabric lined. These are for various accessories one might use with the pistol, and in the case is a very nice COLTS PATENT marked 36B bullet mold for round and conical bullets with a built in nipper to take off the casting stem, as well as a lovely bronze powder flask marked JAMES DIXON & SONS / SHEFFIELD on the top. There looks to be some type of oiler, though we could not get the top off, as well as a silver handled cleaning rod with a patch on the end. There is even a tin containing both types of bullets as well as percussion caps. The spare cylinder even has a spot, and there are original Colt loading instructions attached to the inside of the lid. The case definitely shows wear and fading on the interior, and looks to be period. It has a lock and key, but we cannot get it to lock, and also the lid has a lovely round plate with a JM monogram on it.

A truly fantastic "London Colt Navy" revolver cased set, which would be an incredible addition to any collection! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1854
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 13 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: Percussion caps will be removed from this set if shipping internationally.

History of the 1851 Navy Colt Pistol:

The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber (i.e., .36 cal), later known as the Colt 1851 Navy or Navy Revolver, is a cap and ball revolver that was designed by Samuel Colt between 1847 and 1850. Colt first called this Revolver Ranger model; but the designation Navy quickly took over. It remained in production until 1873, when revolvers using fixed metallic cartridges came into widespread use. Total production numbers were exceeded only by the Colt Pocket models in concurrent development, and numbered some 250,000 domestic units and about 22,000 produced in the Colt London Armory.

The cylinder of this revolver is engraved with a scene of the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche on May 16, 1843. The Texas Navy had purchased the earlier Colt Paterson Revolver, but this was Colt's first major success in the gun trade; the naval theme of the engraved cylinder of the Colt 1851 Navy revolver was Colt's gesture of appreciation. The engraving was provided by Waterman Ormsby. Despite the "Navy" designation, the revolver was chiefly purchased by civilians and military land forces.

Rare and seldom encountered, the London Colt revolver was made in very limited production. Quantities total some 42,000 London pieces of all variations. Serial numbers are recorded in the following ranges: 17,000, 24,000 34,000, 37,000, and 39,000. Samuel Colt designated the term "Navy" to imply the caliber (.36) of the weapon, as he did with its later and heavier companion, the Colt Model 1860 Army (.44 caliber).

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.