CASED BRACE of CIVIL WAR Era Antique COLT M1851 NAVY Percussion Revolvers

Description:
CASED BRACE of CIVIL WAR Era Antique COLT M1851 NAVY Percussion Revolvers 

One Manufactured in HARTFORD and One in LONDON

Here we present an antique Brace of Two Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers, the first example manufactured just two years prior to the start of the American Civil War in 1859 in Hartford, Connecticut, and the second manufactured circa 1855 in London, England. 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. The U.S. Hartford factory was firmly established, and sales were exceedingly good for Samuel Colt. So, Colt's thoughts began to drift towards his possible share of the English gun market, and in 1853 he established a factory in London which produced thousands of examples of this model for the British forces in the Crimean War. The London factory closed in 1856.

Many of these saw service during the Civil War 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. 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 of the London Proofed gun (serial number 38497) is good. Gray patina throughout. Battle of Campeche cylinder scene remains visible. The action is excellent. The bore is dim with strong rifling. Numbers match. The grip shows much use and remains solid.

The Hartford produced gun (serial number 90316) is in fair to good condition. Very dark throughout with faint markings. There is a crack at the top left side of the grip frame. The action is strong but a bit clunky. The bore is dark with good rifling. The grips show much use and remain solid. The screw in the bottom of the grip frame is a replacement. Numbers match throughout. The modern case is in very good condition.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrels are both 7-1/2 inches.

Calibers: .36 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$4000

#247336
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $4,000.00
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