Metropolitan Arms Company "Model 1851" Navy Revolver
Item #: AA3389
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This is a .36 caliber revolver manufactured by the Metropolitan Arms Company of New York City, New York. In February of 1864 the Colt factory in New York sustained severe damage from a fire that severely impacted production. It was during this time period that the Metropolitan Arms Company was formed. This company, made up of a five man partnership, intended to take advantage of the void left by Colt in the civilian revolver market. The company concentrated on three models of then current revolvers being produced by Colt. The first was a copy of the Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver, then a copy of Colt's Model 1862 Police revolver and finally a copy of Colt's Model 1861 Navy Navy revolver. The Metropolitan Arms Company was only in business from 1864 to 1866 and produced a total of approximately 8900 revolvers total, making these Metropolitans pretty scarce. The copy of the Model 1851 saw the largest production, with nearly 6100 guns made. This is an example of the Metropolitan Arms "Model 1851 Navy" cap and ball revolver. The serial number 6591 puts this one near the end of production for these revolvers. The 7 1/2" barrel has some visible rifling and a dark and pitted bore. The single line METROPOLITAN ARMS Co. NEW YORK address is very visible and easy to read. The cylinder scene is almost completely gone, but you can still make out NEW ORLEANS APRIL 1862 along the leading edge of the cylinder. The serial numbers are very crisp and match with exception of the loading lever and wedge. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder and frame have a beautiful matching brown patina with practically none of the original bluing left. There is none of silver wash showing on the trigger guard and backstrap. The brass showing on the trigger guard and backstrap has a golden patina, very nice eye appeal. The walnut grips still retain about 50% of the original varnish. They fit the gun like a glove and have only the expected nicks after almost 160 years of handling. There are no inspector cartouches on the grips, as Metropolitan had no government contracts. This is a hard used and admittedly well worn and tired example of a Model 1851 copy made by the Metropolitan Arms Company, but it's still a pretty scarce gun and will fit right in with your Colt collection.
Shipping Weight:
3 lbs
Item # AA3389
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