Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

Serial#: 717

Year of Manufacture: 1850

Caliber: .36 Caliber

Action Type: Single-Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass post fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch in the nose of the hammer, visible when cocked. The rear sight notch has been widened somewhat.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut "Slim Jim" profile. The buttstrap inlet has "717" hand-written. The grip has evenly scattered finish wear. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with one slightly more notable bruise on the bottom-left. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Silver Plate

Finish Originality: Refinished, numbered parts match.

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 35% of its current metal finish. Most remaining finish is on the grip frame. There is some scattered silver plate on the frame and cylinder. The barrel and loading lever show signs of aggressive cleaning and treatment with cold blue. There is some scattered surface erosion, most notable on the right of the barrel and loading lever. There are some nicks and scratches, most notable are tool marks at the wedge on the right of the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The spring for the cylinder stop is notably weak, the cylinder can be pushed out of position when the hammer is cocked. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This revolver comes in a vintage english-fit wood presentation case with compartments for the revolver and the included Eley cap tin, powder flask, and Colt bullet/ball mould.

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 when it was adopted by the U.S. Navy, 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 example is of particular interest to collectors. While the 1851 designation was from its adoption by the Navy, production of the model actually started in 1850. The very earliest revolvers have some distinctive characteristics such as the wedge-screw entering under the wedge, the loading lever screw entering on the opposite side of the hammer and, obviously, the lack of a naval scene on the cylinder. Perhaps most interesting is that the cylinder arbor does not have a slot for the wedge, but rather a slot across the top. This example, serial 717, bears all of these features and has all serial-matching parts, though it appears a new silver plate finish was applied at some time in the past. It comes with a vintage presentation case and accessories, so it will make a wonderful display in any Colt or percussion revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!