Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver Carried by Confederate Soldier

Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver Carried by Confederate Soldier - Inventory Number: HAN 311

Wonderful, undisturbed example of a Colt Navy revolver. This specimen just surfaced from an estate and has been housed in an unquestionably Confederate holster; form fitted to the revolver.

The pistol itself possesses all matching serial numbers throughout. There is a cartouche present on the left grip. The bottom of the grip strap was used as a hammer on the field and is peppered with tiny dents from hammering, resulting in several chips from the walnut grip, giving the piece yet even more character as a tool of necessity to the soldier.

This untouched original Colt 1851, 3rd Model Navy Revolver in very good condition.  One of the most popular pistols ever produced by Samuel Colt’s firm was Colt’s Navy model, a premier medium caliber handgun. 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 fourth quarter of 1856, this martially marked, handsome Model 1851 Navy revolver bears serial number #56,569 and is a great example of a much carried personal sidearm used during the American Civil War.  All serial numbers match including the wedge. This six-shot, .36 caliber, cap and ball percussion revolver specimen were one of over 215,000 such sidearms made and features an un-rebated cylinder with a 7½” long barrel. Has good mechanics, the roll engraved naval engagement scene of the Republic of Texas Navy and the Mexican Navy on the cylinder is mostly visible beneath the patina. All nipples are in strong condition. All cylinder pins are hammered down.

No original case colors remain on the three-screw frame, but it does feature a strong “COLTS / PATENT / U.S.” stamping on the left side and unmarred screws. All gun metal wears a smooth, dark gray patina overall. The octagonal barrel exhibits rounded edges, and the muzzle shows even wear.  Barrel address markings “ADDRESS SAM’L COLT NEW YORK CITY” are strong and sharp. Smooth, unvarnished grips are of one-piece walnut, have two government cartouches, and are in very good condition. No silver wash on the brass trigger guard or back strap. Inner trigger guard shows evidence of multiple impacts.  A seldom seen, original ‘US’ marked Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that entered Confederate service during its lifetime.

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Inventory Number: HAN 311