c1863 “SUNDANCE MINING CO.” Antique COLT Model 1851 NAVY .36 Cal. Revolver Manufactured Mid-Civil War with Period LEATHER HOLSTER

Product Description

c1863 “SUNDANCE MINING CO.” Antique COLT Model 1851 NAVY .36 Cal. Revolver

Manufactured Mid-Civil War with Period LEATHER HOLSTER

Here we present an antique Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver, made in the middle of the American Civil War in 1863 in Hartford, Connecticut.

This one has some unique features that set it apart from others. First and most obvious, it is marked on the bottom of the grip frame “SUNDANCE MINING CO.” Now tracking down these historic mines, claims, and companies can be rather tricky as some of these were small affairs and there may have been several or more such mines or companies named similarly. But we lean toward the possibility that this gun was probably associated with the Sundance Mine in or around Deadwood, South Dakota. This is the earliest record we can find for a mine by that name, in The Black Hills Daily Times of Deadwood, South Dakota, 7 June 1881. The article talks about one of the beloved locals of the area, Granger Ikey Fargo, referred to as ‘the good “old man” who went to ranching in the Sundance Valley’. Then the article speaks about the Sundance Mine: “Work on the Sundance silver mine is being pushed night and day, keeping six men continually at work. The indications for fine ore are excellent. Every hope is entertained that the mines in that section will prove veritable bonanzas.” There is certainly more that could be unearthed in the newspaper archives and from other primary sources.

One would certainly have been required to be armed in Deadwood. The town was founded around the possibility, then the reality of precious metals, panned for in the streams. The Custer expedition confirmed the presence of gold circa 1874 and it didn’t take long for word to get around and by 1875 there were miners in the area. Deadwood was established by 1876. This was on the Sioux reservation, and try as the Army in the area did, they could not force the miners out fast enough before the area was booming. Of course, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and many other notable figures made history in Deadwood. Hickok was killed over a game of poker here in 1876. Much more could be said, of course.

Other notable features of this revolver include the addition of the dovetailed German silver front sight blade, as well as the filled holes: one in the bottom of the grip and two in the back strap. These would have been made originally for a wire stock before eventually being filled. This is one of the more interesting modifications that we have seen a handful of times on the Colt 1851 Navy specifically. This one comes in a very well-preserved, though obviously used, worn, and weathered, dark brown leather flap field holster.

The overall condition is good+. Certainly, used and weathered. Gray patina. Much of the cylinder scene remain intact. Strong action. Good bore for age with good rifling. The walnut grip shows that this piece spent lots of time out of doors. Numbers match (the number “6” on the trigger guard is worn). The wedge is an unnumbered replacement. “SUNDANCE MINING CO.” is hand engraved onto the grip frame. The period leather holster is in really nice shape and mates just perfectly with the gun. This is a fascinating piece that exudes the history of the Wild West.

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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$6425
#217790