For Sale: Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver

Colt 1861 Navy revolvers were manufactured from 1861 through ca. 1873, with many early revolvers seeing use in the Civil War either as private or military purchases. All were chambered in .36 caliber and feature a 7 ½ -inch round barrel, 6-round cylinder with naval scene, brass triggerguard and backstrap, and creeping style loading lever.

The Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver shown here was manufactured in 1863, during the war. Markings include the standard ‘– ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA–‘ on top of the barrel, ‘COLTS/PATENT’ on the left side of the frame, and ’36 CAL’ on the left triggerguard shoulder. In addition to the Naval engagement scene, the cylinder is stamped ‘ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843’ along the front edge and ‘COLTS PATENT NO’ in front of the SN. The matching serial number is found on the triggerguard, frame, barrel lug, cylinder, butt, wedge, and walnut grips.

Metal surfaces of this Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver retain remnant bluing in protected areas and show holster wear along high points such as the left side of the recoil shield. Faint case color remains on the frame and loading lever. Remnant silver plating on the brass triggerguard and backstrap, now tarnished, also remains in protected areas. The cylinder Naval scene is very good considering they were lightly stamped on this model. Wear along the cylinder’s front edge has intruded upon the ‘ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843’ marking. The walnut grips show some holster wear along the butt and have a small chip at the front butt corner. Dings in both the grips and strap are present on the butt. The bore is clean and bright with well-defined rifling. 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.