This is a good solid example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver. Standard 7 1/2" octagon barrel, .36 Caliber, with six shot cylinder, walnut grips, and New York barrel address.  This was a very popular gun with soldiers during the Civil War on both Union and Confederate sides. The serial number is in the 106,000 range which we're going to bet was within a month or two of when the Civil War began in April 1861. Note: 1861 production serials range from 98000 to 118000.   Best of all, if you wish, this gun is in aletterable serial range with the Colt Archives and will reveal where it shipped.  

Overall condition is NRA Antique Good+ with 100% all matching numbers that include the barrel, loading lever, framer, triggerguard, backstrap, cylinder, wedge, and arbor pin.  The gun came out of a very old US Military collection that dates as far back as the 1930's.  In that era, it was common for collectors to clean an antique weapon bright....modern collectors have grown to appreciate the surface patina on old weapons but that's just how things were done back then.  That appears to be the case with this gun.  The metal has been carefully cleaned to bright giving it a very sharp and defined appearance.  Very good edges and markings throughout with the exception of a worn front sight from holster wear.  The barrel address clearly reads "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK US AMERICA-.  The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT".  The cylinder has 30% good scene remaining and still shows most of the ships in the Naval Engagement scene but fades out towards the front from holster wear.  Surprisingly, the May 16, 1843 Naval Engagement date is still legible at the front edge of the cylinder.  Side reads "COLT'S PATENT No" with full serial number.  Good screws overall.  Good original grips fit the gun perfectly with good profiles and no cracks or repairs.  A few small chips around the edges.  The butt shows zero abuse around the bottomstrap.  Excellent mechanics...you can still hear 4 clicks if you cock it slowly.  Cylinder still has 4 good safety pins intact. Barrel to frame lockup is perfectly tight with no play or wiggle.  Very good bore with strong rifling and the customary pits from black powder residue.  A good example of an early Civil War production Colt 51' Navy.

Item# 9146

SOLD