Product Description
c1857 COLT Model 1851 NAVY Revolver CIVIL WAR RANGER Antique
Third Model, 3rd Type CUT FOR SHOULDER STOCK, Swivel
Here we present an antique Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, made in 1857 in Hartford, Connecticut. This one is a Third Model that distinguishes itself by having been cut for a shoulder stock (Third Type), having a 4-screw frame, and sling swivel mounted on the front part of the trigger guard.
The 1851 Navy was one of Colt’s most famous and successful lines, reaching a production total of 257,348 from 1850 to 1873 (right up to the time of SAA production) from both Hartford and London factories. From Hartford alone, 185,000 were made by the end of the American Civil War. Many of these saw service during the conflict on both sides. There were some military purchases and lots of private purchases by soldiers going off to war. In addition, the Model 1851 was carried by Confederate General Robert E. Lee and was a favorite of “Doc” Holliday and “Wild Bill” Hickok, who carried two of these most famously in his red sash.
This example is a early and scarce “Four Screw” version of the Model 1851. This revolver was likely purchased by the Union government that features a four-screw frame, which was an early method to attach a shoulder stock. The recoil shield and the bottom of the grip frame are also cut as shoulder stock attachment points.
The Colt Model 1851 Navy, first known as the “Ranger Model” and also known as the “Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber,” was designed between 1847 and 1850, manufactured from 1850 until 1873, and was the second most popular Colt percussion revolver after only the Model 1849 Pocket. Though its name implies maritime use, most Navy revolvers primarily saw use on dry land, including in the Old West, which truly, the Colt 1851 Navy revolver ushered in the era of the gunfighter. Among the many guns that were used on the western frontier, none was more popular in its day than the Colt percussion revolver designated the 1851 Navy. This single action revolver weighed in at roughly 42 ounces. Prior to the Navy’s introduction, hand gunners had to make do with the Colt Walker and Dragoon revolvers, both of which weighed over four pounds. These big guns were best suited for carry in pommel holsters on the saddle. The Colt Navy was the first popular single-action revolver that could be worn comfortably on the belt. Prior to the beginning of the Civil War, the state of Missouri was a hotbed of trouble that often broke out in shooting fights. Bill Anderson, Jesse and Frank James, and the Youngers all cut their teeth on this border trouble and were ready to go when leaders like William Quantrill enlisted them in his guerilla band during the war. The boys from Missouri became quite proficient with their six-guns and generally carried a brace of Dragoons on their saddle pommels and a brace of Navy revolvers on their hip.
The overall condition is very good. Refinished. The action is excellent. The bore is in very good condition with strong rifling. The grips are in great shape with use evident. The numbers match except on the loading lever and the unnumbered barrel wedge. The cylinder’s number matches, though we believe this is a replacement. The cylinder’s Battle of Campeche cylinder scene is very clear.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 7-1/2 inches.
Caliber: .36 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$4800
#230046