Here is a seldom-seen, original, martially-marked Third Model version of the popular 1851 Colt Navy Revolver in very good condition. One of the most sought after models ever produced by Samuel Colt’s firm was the Colt Navy pistol, a premier medium caliber handgun.  Sam Colt designated the term ‘Navy’ to imply the caliber (.36) of the weapon, and later used the term ‘Army’ for its heavier .44 caliber companion, the Colt Model 1860 Army. 

Manufactured sometime in the 1st quarter of 1857, this weapon is a very fine example of a much-carried personal sidearm before and during the American Civil War.  A most pleasing M1851 Navy, this pistol bears a fine martial “U.S.”-stamp, along with serial number #68727 marked on all its components (barrel, frame, triggerguard, loading lever, buttplate, and wedge. With a .36 caliber, six-shot capacity, this cap and ball percussion specimen was one of over 215,000 such sidearms made in Hartford, CT through 1873.  The weapon features an octagonal 7½” long barrel with attached loading lever.  Barrel still enjoys sharp edges and holds a very deep and strong maker address marking that reads “ADDRESS SAM’L COLT NEW YORK CITY.” Mechanics are tight overall, with strong half cock and full cock positions. 

On the weapon’s cylinder is an unusually sharp and very clear, roll-engraved naval engagement scene between the Republic of Texas Navy and the Mexican Navy. Cylinder exhibits a pleasing dark plum-gray patina. All cylinder pins are present but are hammered down as normally found.   The six original nipples are in strong condition. Slight hints of original case colors remain on the three-screw frame in addition to a strong and clear “COLTS PATENT / U. S.” which appears on the left side of frame with fine, original unbuggered screws. Octagonal barrel with its attached loading lever exhibits faint traces of the original bluing.  The original, one-piece unvarnished walnut grips are in excellent condition and bear two light but visible military inspector cartouches. Sidearm bears no silver wash on the small, rounded brass trigger guard and back strap. Exterior surface of the metal exhibits a dark plum coloring with scattered patches of light peppering overall.

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!