Very Rare Baltimore Police Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver / SOLD

Very Rare Baltimore Police Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver - Inventory Number: HAN 361 / SOLD

Fourth Model .36 Cal. SN 107,395. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct barrel, New York address, brass cone front sight and brass grip frame with one piece walnut grips. The bottom of the butt is engraved with the inscription "U.S. Police, Balto." It is unknown currently how many of these Baltimore Police Revolvers have surfaced but it is estimated at only a few.

CONDITION: In mechanically excellent condition with all matching numbers. Traces of original blue and case color finish. Fine, the barrel retains a light silver/brown patina with a few scattered spots of light rust and some nicks on the right side. There are light hammer marks around the wedge slot. The cylinder has traces of blue and retains about 80% Ormsby naval battle scene. The rammer handle retains about 50% dark case colors. The frame retains about 75% case colors on the right side, mostly faded but strong in sheltered areas. The left side has traces of case colors in sheltered area.

The grip frame is a mellow brass patina, and the grips have chipped toes and one chipped heel and show moderate to heavy wear with traces of original varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with scattered light pitting. The rear of the cylinder is battered around the nipple recesses, apparently it was severely out of time at some point. A rare navy that requires additional research.

History

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Union forces occupied Maryland to prevent the loss of Wash. Baltimore was a most important location as the main railroad hub between the North & South. The leadership of the police department was arrested, and the men were disbanded. Not all sidearms were returned so the Federal authorities realized they had to supplement the city's issue of sidearms to the police. The factory letter for this Colt states shipped 9 July 1861 to Grubb of Philadelphia. A police docket book from 1861 has entries dated 4 Oct 1861 listing all sidearms issued to police officers from one of the four police districts. While the overwhelming majority are Colt 1849 Pocket Models, 4 have serial numbers inconsistent with Pocket Models, 110*** serial range. These are 1851 Colt Navies. Two other similarly marked Colts, serial range 104*** and 107***, are in a private collection (Colt letters for both show shipment to Grubb). All are engraved on the butt in the exact same manner as all Colt 1849 Pocket Models previously issued to Balto. Police. Also, enacted in the U.S. Congress, 27 July 1861, Chapter XXIII, is "An Act to provide for the Payment of the Police organized by the United States for the City of Baltimore. the sum of one hundred thousand dollars." It is obvious these were purchased by the Federal authorities to supplement the arms not turned in by the previous officers. Photocopies of this research is provided with the research binder. A very significant Colt as issued to a U.S. Police Dept. questionably organized.

Inventory Number: HAN 361 / SOLD