Presented here is the .36 caliber London Colt variation of the Colt 1851 model Navy Revolver in fair overall condition. Sidearm has British proofmarks and blued steel grip straps but it has been heavily cleaned. These Colt revolvers were produced at Hartford, Connecticut facility and made for public sale overseas at their London office. Rare and seldom encountered, the London Colt revolver was made in very limited production. Quantities total some 42,000 London pieces of all variations. Serial numbers are recorded in the following ranges: 17,000, 34,000, 37,000, and 39,000. Samuel Colt designated the term ‘Navy’ to imply the caliber (.36) of the weapon, as he did with its later and heavier companion, the Colt Model 1860 Army (.44 caliber).

Manufactured sometime in the last quarter of 1854, this London Model 1851 Navy revolver bears serial number #37985. A six-shot, .36 caliber, cap and ball percussion revolver, this specimen features an un-rebated cylinder mated to a 7½” long barrel. Sidearm has thin matching serial numbers (37985) on the cylinder, loading lever, triggerguard and butt plate. Revolver has moderate rusting over all surface gunmetal including barrel, cylinder, frame, triggerguard and loading lever. Wedge, spline and nipples all reproduction parts.

Octagonal barrel edges retain some of their sharpness. Cylinder featured the engraved naval engagement scene of the Republic of Texas Navy and the Mexican Navy but no traces have been left after cleaning. Mechanics good. All cylinder safety pins are hammered down. Cylinder exhibits a dark gray surface with areas of dark rust oxidation prevalent. Traces of original colors remain on the barrel and three-screw frame. Also shows a thin “COLTS / PATENT” stamping on the left side. Frame screws are original and have some buggering. Barrel address marking “ADDRESS COL COLT LONDON” is visible but has been cleaned and hard to read. Smooth, unvarnished grips are of one-piece walnut and are in good overall condition with shrinkage to the wood. A seldom seen London Colt Navy.   [ra]

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