Original Item: Only One Available. The Colt Navy Model 1851 Percussion Revolver in .36 caliber was widely used by both sides in the U.S. Civil War. 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.

This is very interesting example, being both very early (1852) production, and also being in a "belly buster" configuration, with a short 4-inch long "Wells Fargo" style barrel. These were distinctive, having no provision for a loading rammer, and a characteristic angular appearance and beveling to the breech end of the barrel. However, real "Wells Fargo" revolvers were M1849 Pocket Revolvers, not M1851 Navy revolvers. Either the barrel was shortened and reworked, or possibly it was made that way at the factory. We did find another example with this type of barrel that sold in the past, which was said to be a factory original, shown here: Colt 1851 Revolver. We cannot see any trace of a filled in rammer channel, so the barrel was either expertly modified, or made that way at the factory.

This very interesting well patinated revolver is marked with serial number 12477 on the barrel, frame, grip frame, trigger guard, and cylinder arbor pin. The markings on the cylinder are completely worn away, and the barrel wedge is a non matching (2132) replacement. Colt records indicate that this revolver was produced in 1852, some years before the start of the Civil War, however there's still a very good chance it saw service during the conflict. It would have been very effective as a close quarters weapon.

The top of the barrel still has the Colt "New York" address marking present and mostly legible.:-

Normally on a short barrel such as this, the two line address would be used, pointing to post manufacture shortening, however Colt Navy revolvers were almost always made with the 7 1/2 barrel, so they may have not had a separate stamp to use. We unfortunately have not been able to find any pictures of the barrel markings on the example we located with a "factory" barrel to compare. The COLTS PATENT marking on the left side of the frame is still faintly visible, though there is no "36CAL" marking on the trigger guard, but this is not uncommon.

The revolver looks to have seen light to moderate use during service, however it was definitely exposed to the elements for a good amount of time, resulting in a dark oxidized patina overall on the metalwork. There are some areas of past peppering, though no major rust. We do not see any signs of refinishing, just cleaning to remove oxidation. The plating on the trigger guard and grip are completely missing, with the brass showing a lovely mustard patina. The walnut grip is in is in good shape, showing a lovely color, though there is definitely overall wear, and a crack on the left side near the frame. There are no traces of any inspection cartouches present.

The revolver cycles, however the mechanics are worn, and there is also a good amount of forward / backward slop on the cylinder, which prevents the ratchet from reliably engaging the hand. The cylinder lock is also worn and does not always engage. We do not see any signs that the frame was adjusted in the past to remove the slop, and the barrel to frame connection is solid. The bore is in good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is definitely some past oxidation and fouling, so this revolver saw a good amount of use, and was probably not properly cleaned after use. The cap nipple cones are all intact and clear on the cylinder, showing wear and oxidation on the exteriors.

A very interesting Colt 1851 Navy revolver from the Pre Civil War era, well worthy of further research into the "Wells Fargo" style barrel. Whether it was made that way or converted, the barrel is definitely very well made. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1852
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 3/4 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the 1851 Navy Colt Pistol:

The .36 caliber Navy revolver was much lighter than the contemporary Colt Dragoon Revolvers developed from the .44 Walker Colt revolvers of 1847, which, given their size and weight, were generally carried in saddle holsters. It is an enlarged version of the .31 caliber Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers, that evolved from the earlier Baby Dragoon, and, like them, is a mechanically improved and simplified descendant of the 1836 Paterson revolver. As the factory designation implied, the Navy revolver was suitably sized for carrying in a belt holster. It became very popular in North America at the time of Western expansion. Colt's aggressive promotions distributed the Navy and his other revolvers across Europe, Asia, and Africa. As with many other Colt revolvers, it has a six-round cylinder.

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.

The .36 caliber (.375-.380 inch) round lead ball weighs 80 grains and, at a velocity of 1,000 feet per second, is comparable to the modern .380 pistol cartridge in power. Loads consist of loose powder and ball or bullet, metallic foil cartridges (early), and combustible paper cartridges (Civil War era), all combinations being ignited by a fulminate percussion cap applied to the nipples at the rear of the chamber.

Famous "Navy" users included Wild Bill Hickok, John Henry "Doc" Holliday, Richard Francis Burton, Ned Kelly, Bully Hayes, Richard H. Barter, Robert E. Lee, Nathan B. Forrest, John O'Neill, Frank Gardiner, Quantrill's Raiders, John Coffee "Jack" Hays, "Bigfoot" Wallace, Ben McCulloch, Addison Gillespie, John "Rip" Ford, "Sul" Ross and most Texas Rangers prior to the Civil War and (fictionally) Rooster Cogburn. Use continued long after more modern cartridge revolvers were introduced.

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