Make: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy Conversion
Serial Number: 127591
Year of Manufacture: 1862. Later Conversion.
Caliber: .38 Rimfire (Converted from .36 Cal Cap & Ball)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, 6-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a flat brass bead at the muzzle. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece wood. There is modest handling wear throughout. There are losses at the edges. There are scratches, nicks, and dents. There is intermittent finish loss. There is a crack in the bottom of the left side of the grip. The grip rates in Fair condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued / Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with corrosion and pitting down the length, concentrated at the muzzle. The rifle is defined but loses some definition toward the muzzle. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 0% of its metal finish. The bottom of the grip frame is etched, "A.J. DANE". We barrel, frame, and trigger guard have matching serial numbers. We could not remove the barrel to inspect the cylinder markings. Most of the finish has worn to a mottled dark patina with scattered pitting and erosion throughout. The brass has some tarnish. There are nicks and dings throughout, especially on the brass. The rollmark on the cylinder is completely removed. The barrel to frame fit is solid with no play. The screw heads are tool marked but retain serviceable slots. The conversion plate is somewhat loose. There is a hole in the rear of the frame which the conversion plate post is inserted. The remaining markings are legible. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fair condition as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly though is a bit stiff. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1851 Navy was one of the most successful percussion revolvers of the 19th century, combining a six-shot .36-caliber action with a comparatively compact belt-pistol frame and 7 1/2" barrel. It saw extensive use through the antebellum period, Civil War, and western expansion, remaining in production into the early metallic-cartridge era. The .38 Rimfire was closely associated with metallic-cartridge conversions of .36-caliber Colt Navy revolvers, making this old non-factory alteration an interesting example of how otherwise serviceable percussion arms were adapted as cartridge technology became dominant.
This revolver now retains essentially 0% of its original metal finish, with a mottled patina, scattered pitting and erosion, and heavily tarnished brass giving it the well-used appearance expected of an extensively altered 19th-century sidearm. While this should not be confused with one of Colt’s considerably more collectible factory cartridge conversions, it remains a genuine 1851 Colt Navy that was adapted during its working life to the emerging metallic-cartridge system - an evocative survivor of one of the most important transitional periods in American handgun development.
