Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

Serial Number: 73542

Year of Manufacture: 1857

Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball

Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 7 1/2", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel post fixed to the front of the barrel, it has been altered or replaced. The rear sight is a "V" notch at the front of the hammer, visible when the hammer is cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth antique ivory. The left side has a tiny chip at the bottom-rear corner. The material shows discoloration appropriate for its age with some scattered small nicks and scratches. The right side has a faint remnant of an American eagle, indicating that the grips have seen some polishing. The grips fit the gun quite well, with normal shrinkage. Overall, the grip is in Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color & Brass

Finish Originality: The brass grip frame appears to have seen some polishing. Other remaining finish is Original. Numbered parts are all matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray. The rifling is well defined. There is light-moderate erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15% of its metal finish. There is some case color remaining on the frame and loading lever. The barrel and cylinder have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. The grip frame is generally bright with some scattered minor discoloration. There are some light nicks, scuffs, small scratches, and spots of minor surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. There is decent detail in the naval scene on the cylinder. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good 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: This revolver comes in a custom English-fit wood display case with blue felt interior and decorative pearl inlays on the exterior. Inside the case is a nipple wrench, powder flask, cap tin, lead balls, and a Colt Navy Model folding knife. One of the interior separators has broken from the frame.

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, Colt's 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.

This revolver is a Colt Model 1851 made in 1857, just a few years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Its U.S. marked frame and martial inspection marks indicate it is a Navy-Army. The serialized parts are all matching and the mechanics are still good, really in quite good mechanical condition. The revolver shows its age, but has a "been there, done that" look that is very authentic. In all, this is a great example of an 1851 Navy-Army which has survived the last 169 years better than any of us are likely to. Please see our photos and good luck!