This is a scarce U.S. martial pistol in unusually good condition- a Colt M1861 Navy revolver sent by the US Navy back to the Colt factory between 1873 and 1876 for alteration to .38 caliber metallic cartridge using the Richards-Mason system of conversion, showing a good cylinder scene, markings, and lots of case color on the frame, trigger and hammer, pleasing color to the brass and wood, and good mechanics.

Jordan and Geri follow Meadows’ total of 2,867 Colt Navies thus converted and estimate 2,035 were Model 1851s and just 831 the Model 1861. This is also one of a smaller subset of pistols returned after conversion to the New York Navy Yard, bearing the “R.W.M.[anchor]” inspection stamp of Commander Richard W. Meade, Jr., on the underside of the barrel just forward of the frame, who was posted as inspector of ordnance there from June 1873 to May 1876. (Jordan and Geri note that few of the M1861 returned to the Navy have any martial marks.) These pistols then put in another fifteen years of service, being replaced only by the Colt M1889 double-action navy revolver, making their survival in any condition unusual.

The barrel rates a little lower for condition than the rest of the gun, showing largely gray with some thin brown, with some scratches and small dings, but showing nice blue on the underside toward the frame. The ejector rod housing shows some gray and brown. The cylinder matches in color, and has a very good naval battle scene, with partly visible caption at the forward edge. The Colt patent line is soft at the forward edge, but the original serial number and applied new number are very good. The frame, hammer and trigger on the other hand have vivid case colors and the loading channel shows a vibrant blue. The brass has a nice, mellow tone.

The markings are very good, though the barrel shows some softness at the beginning and middle, and some scratches. The left frame has the standard 1871 and 1872 patent dates very clear and overstamped on the Colts Patent stamp, which is faintly visible. Jordan and Geri note several variations in this stamp, and picture six on page 137. In this case the “7” is lightly stamped at the end of each line and the final digit is left off entirely. The triggerguard retains its original “36 CAL” The grips, replaced on all these pistols, have nice warm brown color, good edges, and few handling marks. The Meade inspection stamp is crisp.

These pistols, sent to Colt from different navy yards, were disassembled, cleaned, altered, and assembled again with mixed parts, old and new. This pistol is numbered 4602 on the underside of the frame, which seems to be the original M1861 Navy serial number, giving it an original date of production in 1862. This number was then added to the constituent parts of the converted pistol, underneath 2688 on the triggerguard, over 9219 on the underside of the barrel assembly, etc., and we note the loading gate was numbered 602. The cylinder has its original 59199 serial number and a newer 4315 serial that, as usual, does not agree with the new serial number on the other parts because the cylinders were worked on and altered separately.

In the main, the alteration consisted of removing the percussion nipples from the cylinder to create bored-through chambers that were reamed out to accept the metallic cartridge. Ironically, despite the .38 caliber designation, the .36 bore size remained the same since its tolerances could accept it. A base plate or “conversion ring” was installed in the frame along with a loading gate and the ratchet recut on the rear of the cylinder and fitted with a new hand. In this case the loading gate is fitted with the early external spring. The loading assembly was also removed and mounting holes filled, though the plunger hole was left open, and a new hole was drilled and tapped near the location of the loading lever pivot screw for a new ejector assembly retaining screw. A Mason patent spring-loaded ejector rod and housing was then installed on the right side of the barrel. The guns were also cleaned, polished and reblued, and the grips were replaced.

Given their low production numbers and continued use for more than a decade, the survival rate of these pistols is very low in any condition and this one has a lot going for it.  [sr][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!