This is a Model 1851 Colt Navy cap and ball revolver. The serial number 103766 puts this one in the production year of 1861. It is possible this revolver was in the south before the outbreak of the Civil War, as there are no martial marks or cartouches on the gun. The 7 1/2" barrel has very some visible rifling and a bore that's beginning to darken, the front sight is missing. This old warhorse has been fired quite a bit! The single line Sam Colt New York address is barely visible, you can just make out "W YORK U.S. A.....A". The Colt patent mark and the cylinder scene are completely gone. There are no sub inspectors marks on the gun. The serial numbers are very crisp and match, with the exception of the loading lever and wedge. The frame has a small amount of bluing remaining, mostly in the recessed areas. The barrel, cylinder and loading lever have no blue remaining, and have a nice dull steel gray patina. The silver wash is completely worn off of this one. The brass has a soft golden patina, very eye pleasing. The walnut grips have quite a bit of the original varnish remaining. They fit the gun like a glove and have only the expected nicks after 158 years of handling. This is a beautiful gun that most likely fought with some Confederate soldier during the war of northern aggression. Regardless of which side it resided with, this one will make a great addition to your Civil War weapons collection.

Print Email to a friend