Make: F.lli Pietta

Model: 1851 Navy, Brass Frame

Serial#: 288986

Year of Manufacture: 1990, AZ Date Code

Caliber: .44 Cal.

Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with 6-Round Cylinder and Loading Lever.

Barrel Length: 7 ½" Octagon

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass mortise code fixed at the muzzle. The rear sight is a v-notch in hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece smooth wood. There are scratches, nicks, and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. There is a symbol burned in the right side of the grip along with a notable dent. Overall, the grip is in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued barrel and cylinder. Case Color loading lever and hammer. Brass frame and grip frame.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of scattered rust. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is mild play between the barrel and frame. There is thinning on the leading edges. The case colors have muted with light figuring on the rear of the hammer. There is intermittent oxidation and surface rust, especially on the front of the cylinder. There is no notable turn line. The brass has some tarnishing. There is a scrape on the outer edge of the muzzle. The screwheads are tool marked. The markings are clear. There are scattered scratches and nicks. Overall, the revolver is in Fair condition.

Mechanics: The rammer has been removed. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1851 Navy was one of the most successful percussion revolvers of the 19th century, prized for its balance, handling, and six-shot design. The original Colt was a .36-caliber revolver, and its distinctive 7 1/2" octagonal barrel became one of the most recognizable profiles of the percussion era. Pietta has reproduced the 1851 pattern for decades, including commercial variations such as this .44-caliber brass-frame model.

This 1990 Pietta retains about 70% of its original finish, with edge thinning, oxidation and surface rust, muted case colors, tarnishing to the brass, and scattered handling and operational wear. The smooth wood grip remains in Good condition despite scratches, nicks, a notable dent, and an unusual burned-in symbol on the right side. The dark but sharply rifled bore shows scattered rust and rates 5/10, while the action functions correctly. Its .44-caliber chambering and brass-frame configuration give it the imposing appearance sought by many black-powder shooters and collectors of Italian percussion revolvers.