Colt Navy percussion Revolver in .36 Caliber with 7.5" octagon barrel.  Serial number is in the 101,000 range.  Made right at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.  Many of these were privately purchased by soldiers from both the Union and the Confederacy throughout the Civil War.  This one is a 4th model with a very early New York barrel address.  All matching numbers including wedge.  This particular example came from an auction held years ago in central Alabama from an estate of a transplanted New-Englander who purchased a lot of great stuff back in the 1950's and early 60's. Can remember he had a couple of the best secondary martial revolvers I've ever seen; one was an Allen & Wheelock and the other a Freeman Revolver. We just got this one back recently and its time for a new home!   

Overall condition is NRA Antique Fine with 35% original blue mixed with patina across the barrel.  The frame and loading lever are mostly a smooth brown patina that's hazed over the case colors.  You can still see quite a bit of original colors, about 25% overall and tend to get stronger in protected areas.  Cylinder has turned nice brown patina with 95% original scene complete with the 1843 Naval engagement date at the front.  Back of cylinder still retains several of the original safety pins (4 good ones, 1 fair, and 1 smudged flat).  Brass triggerguard still shows 50% original silver plating.  Backstrap/bottomstrap retain 25% original silver.  Very good screws throughout.  Screws look all original except for wedge screw which may be a replacement.  Walnut grips are in Fine+ to Exc condition, still light orangish-red in color with 85% original varnish intact.  Nice wood to metal fit and no chips, cracks, or repairs.  Action works nicely.  Bore is Good...some scattered pits with strong rifling.  Barrel to frame fit is tight with no wobble.  A very nice example of a 51 Navy manufactured circa mid-1861 that has some condition and a great look.

Item# 8711

SOLD