Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

Serial Number: 186073

Year of Manufacture: 1866

Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball

Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "- ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". The left of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT". The left of the trigger guard is marked "36 CAL". The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, and butt are each marked "186073" and with an "L". The top of the loading lever is marked "073". The bottom of the arbor is marked "6073". The outside of the cylinder has a roll-engraved naval scene and "COLTS PATENT No 6073" with "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" at the front edge.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a conical brass post (also called a "pin type") threaded to the barrel at the muzzle. The rear sight is a "V" notch at the front of the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. There is a thin crack at the right-rear of the trigger guard, a ding on the bottom-right edge, and tiny losses at the bottom-front corners. There are a few other more minor marks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8-9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its metal finish. The blued barrel and case colored frame are above 90%. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is even wear around the outside of the cylinder. The frame has generally good case color with some areas showing muting. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most on the cylinder. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks on and around the wedge. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear with good detail on the naval engagement scene. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt 1851 Navy revolver was produced by Colt up until 1873 when Colt cartridge revolvers were introduced. It got its name from the Navy battle scene on the cylinder that Colt added to commemorate the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche in 1843. Texas had previously ordered the Colt Paterson revolver, Colts first big success, and Colt wished to show gratitude. The 1851 Navy was carried as a belt gun by armies on both sides in the Civil War and was a favorite of General Robert E. Lee. There were many variations and changes made over the production of the model, making the 1851 a prime collector's item and this example is one of the finest we've seen.

With generally strong original finish remaining, just the high condition of this revolver would make it a prized addition to any collection. The collector value of this revolver is enhanced by being both an iron-frame and marked for export to London. This revolver features hammer knurling of the "London type" with more symmetrical, well defined, and bordered checkers rather than the rougher, un-bordered "Hartford type" and has an "L" at the serial markings, though it does not have any British proof marks, indicating it stayed here in America. The combination of these features with the extraordinary condition of this 160 year old percussion revolver make it a wonderful piece that will take a prized place in even the most advanced collections. Lastly, this exact gun (listed by serial number) is featured on page 111 of the highly regarded reference book “Colts from the William M. Locke Collection” by Frank Sellers and Robert Berryman. Please see our photos and good luck!