For Sale: Colt Model 1851 Navy-Navy Revolver, Martially Marked

Colt Model 1851 Navy-Navy, Third Model, revolver manufactured in 1856 and chambered in .36 caliber. Features include a 7 ½ -inch octagon barrel, 6-round cylinder, walnut grips, and both the triggerguard and the back-strap are iron. This is a correct, matching serial number revolver purchased by the Navy; part of a group of revolvers known by collectors as Navy-Navies.

From 1856 through 1862, the U.S. Navy ordered several batches of 1851 (and 1861) Navy models from Colt.  Collectors and researcher grouped these revolvers primarily based on order date as well as other characteristics. This Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver is part of Group I, purchased between 1856-1857. Revolvers within this group are considered Early Navy-Navies, fall within SN range 55500-62500 (Jordan and Geri), and are all Third Model 1851 Navy revolvers. Group I revolvers share common characteristics that distinguish them from other Army and non-military purchased arms. These characteristics include the early Colt New York City address marked on top of the barrel; a small ‘U.S.’ military mark on the left side of the frame, under ‘COLTS/PATENT’; and the lack the ‘.36 CAL’ marking on the triggerguard. Group I revolvers also all have backstraps and large triggerguards made of iron, unlike the Army and civilian variants which have brass variants of these parts. Both these iron parts were manufactured in Colt’s London factory and shipped to Hartford (Jordan and Geri). As a result, the triggerguard has a flatter bottom and the backstrap has a larger notch cut into the apron than later Hartford produced iron versions. Group I also has inspector’s marks that are unique from those of later groups.

Group I Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers received by the Navy were sent to three principle Naval Yards (Norfolk, New York, and Boston), each with its own inspectors and marking variations. 615 revolvers were sent to Norfolk and inspected by Commander James L. Henderson, 718 went to New York where they were inspected by Commanders James R. Madison Mullaney and Stephan C. Rowan, and the 667 revolvers sent to Boston were inspected by Commander George M. Ransom.

The Colt Model 1851 Navy for sale here is numbered within the SN range of Group I and among those sent to the Boston Naval Yard. Both the backstrap and triggerguard are the correct English iron variation, and the triggerguard correctly lacks the ’36 CAL’ marking. A small ‘U.S.’ military marking is located under the ‘COLTS/PATENT’ stamp on the left side of the frame. The early ‘–ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK CITY–‘ barrel address is stamped on top of the barrel. The cylinder Naval scene does not include the ‘Engraved by W.I. Ormsby. New York’, which is correct for the SN range. Ransom’s inspection mark, a small ‘U S N’, is stamped into the strap on the butt, just behind the SN. Ransom’s initials, ‘G M R’, are marked on the grip wood just below the ‘U S N’ and are very light. The SN on the cylinder, triggerguard, frame, barrel lug, buttstrap, loading lever, and wedge all match. No SN is visible on the grips.

Overall condition is as expected for an early purchased Colt Model 1851 Navy that saw extended Naval service, including the Civil War. No finish remains on the metal surfaces.  Areas of oxidation are present throughout, along with highpoint wear and areas of pitting. The walnut grips show some damage on the butt. The barrel address is visible and shows wear over the word ‘ADDRESS’ and the ‘I’ in ‘CITY’. Originally lightly stamped on these models, the Naval cylinder scene is worn but visible in areas; both the ‘COLTS PATENT No’ before the SN and ‘ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843’ marks are no longer legible. The SN on the cylinder (and other components) is visible. The bore is semi-bright with both dirt and pitting scattered throughout, the rifling is well-defined and deep. The action is strong with crisp clicks at half-and full cock, and the trigger pull is good.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique handgun before purchasing this item.