This is a very early Colt 1851 Navy Percussion revolver.  Serial number is in the 6,000 range and was made in 1851.  It an early 3rd Model with the round trigger guard and about a couple thousand serial numbers of the last 1851's with the squareback trigger guard.  All matching numbers except barrel wedge which has no number but parallels the condition of the gun perfectly.  Top of barrel is clearly marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-".  The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT".  The metal overall has worn to gray that is turning to a light brown patina.  Cylinder has all six of its original nipples.  Safety pins between the chambers are there but all mashed down.  Nice clear serial number.  Good original screws sans 1 replacement at the loading lever...a few are a little boogered at the slots but all are still serviceable.  Shows about 10-15% light scene with some scratching.  Trigger guard shows 60% original silver plating while 20% remains on the backstrap (mainly across the bottom strap).  Grips are in very good condition with nice wood to metal fit.  The action works nicely.  Bore is good overall with strong rifling BUT....there is a partial ring about 3" from the muzzle and there are fissures (small cracks) on the outside of the octagon barrel located on 4 of the 8 flats that are congruent to the site of the internal ring.  Sooner or later, every design reaches its point of failure...but this one will last another thousand years as long as it isn't fired!  Its almost to its 150th birthday.  A good example of an early Gold Rush era Colt!

Item# 0937

SOLD