Guns International #: 100994271
Click Photo to Enlarge |
Guns International #: 100994271
Category - Civil War Revolvers
- Antique Revolvers - Percussion
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct,
please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State:
Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Active Listings: 4
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
RARE METROPOLITAN NAVY, 36 CALIBER PERCUSSION, AUTHORIZED PERIOD COPY OF COLT 1851 NAVY DURING CIVIL WAR YEARS 1864-65, LATER USE ON AMERICAN FRONTIER
Description: ********SOLD******** Description: JUST AS HISTORIC AS THE COLT 1851 NAVY, BUT TOTAL PRODUCTION WAS LESS THAN 3% OF THE COLT PRODUCT. OVER 215,000 COLT NAVY'S WERE PRODUCED 1850-73. An almost exact copy of the Colt 1851 Navy, considered to be a secondary issue during the American Civil War. When fire destroyed much of the Colt factory on Feb 4, 1864, Metropolitan Arms Company was created in New York City to fill this gap in production. Only about 6100 Navy’s were produced by Metropolitan. In order to give the impression of greater production, starting at about number 50 the serial number was increased by 1100. Thus, in order to determine the correct manufacturing sequence, 1100 must be subtracted from the serial number. Variances from the Colt 1851 Navy included (1) No barrel address or rolled cylinder scene through serial number 1800, (2) a “Metropolitan Arms Co. New-York” barrel address after SN 1800, (3) a rolled cylinder scene depicting a ship battle at New Orleans April 1862 was added after SN 1800, (4) right hand twist rifling, and (5) hammer face recesses on rear of cylinder, instead of safety pins. All had 7-1/2” octagon barrels and were of 36 caliber. During production there were some additional minor changes made to grip size and contour, and screw direction of the loading rammer. This Metropolitan Navy is noticeably better than average, retaining about 75% detail in cylinder scene. Also the phrase “New Orleans April 1862” is quite distinct, along with the engraver’s name “W. L. Ormsby SC”. A attempt at providing good photos of 360º of this cylinder scene was made, but the detail is much better than shown. Bearing matching serial numbers 2336, this would be one of the earliest production that included the Metropolitan Arms Company barrel address. The first letter “M” is missing from the word “Metropolitan”, an indication that the roll die began to fail after less than 600 applications. As can be seen in the photos, serial number 2336 is strongly visible on frame, barrel, backstrap, trigger guard, cylinder, and wedge. The abbreviated number 36 was applied to the loading lever. Unlike Colt, Metropolitan did not number the cylinder arbor (pin), which was built as an added part of the frame. This revolver is all-original, including screws, with the exception of two replaced nipples. Those nipples match the other four exactly in dimensions and contours. The sights remain unaltered, with the simple pin-post front being intact. The barrel areas surrounding each end of the wedge somehow escaped the beating so often seen here. Overall the steel surfaces are smooth, with a natural gray patina. The brass straps have aged with a light to darker mustard color. The mechanism functions properly, with adequate cylinder rotation and good cylinder lock-up at each full cock. The half cock notch on hammer performs as it should for manual cylinder rotation, and this notch has not been broken during use. The trigger sear has sustained a normal amount of tip wear, noticed only when hammer is observed at full cock (i.e. hammer could come back another 1/16”). But again, overall this early gun has very acceptable and normal wear for being over 150 years old, and no spare parts available since the 1860’s!! It should also be said that the barrel-to-frame fit remains very tight, unlike many of this design that have “shot loose” over the years. The original one-piece walnut grips are unusually nice, with smooth surfaces and some slight shrinkage (but not sanded). Heels and toes of these grips show expected light wear, but no chips or repairs. Hints of original vanish remain, mainly on the butt areas. Production of the Metropolitan Navy continued until 1866, when Colt was able to come back online. A few of the post-Civil War production revolvers were sold through such as St. Louis dealer H. E. Dimmick. These Navy’s saw service all over the American West, along with the Colt counterpart, through the late 1870’s. Unlike some of the newer cartridge guns, percussion caps, black powder, and lead remained available – even in the more remote frontier areas. No FFL Required. Can ship straight to buyer. Terms: No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a functional collector’s Metropolitan Navy. If you want to shoot any older Colt, first take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out. Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun. See my 19 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA. I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Registered Insured Mail (12” x 12” x 5-1/2” priority box) with insurance $38.20 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received. Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item. SOLD Curio/Relic: Yes Antique: Yes |
Guns International #: 100994271
Guns International #: 100994271