CIVIL WAR|WILD WEST Antique COLT M1851 NAVY Percussion Revolver GUNFIGHTER Illinois Unit Marked

Description:
CIVIL WAR|WILD WEST Antique COLT M1851 NAVY Percussion Revolver GUNFIGHTER

Illinois Unit Marked

Here we present an antique Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, made in 1851 in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 one is early, and it was made 10 years prior to the American Civil War. “XIII ILL. CAV.” Is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. The Thirteenth Union Cavalry was organized at Camp Douglas, Illinois, in December 1861, by Colonel J.W. Bell. They moved to Benton Barracks, Missouri, where the Regiment was armed and equipped. They were moved into the field in February 1862 and was on duty in southeast Missouri until June 1, 1862, when it joined General Curtis' army, at Jacksonport, Ark. They then moved with General Curtis through Arkansas, taking part in the skirmishes of the campaign, to Helena, AR.

They returned, with General Curtis, to Missouri in the fall of 1862, and was engaged with General Davidson in the campaign of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, driving Marmaduke and his command from the State.

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 overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The cylinder is a replacement with a visible cylinder scene, numbered to the rest of the gun. The action is functional; the cylinder fully indexes if the hammer is cocked at normal speed, but a little late if cocked slowly. The bore is dim with strong rifling. The grip is refinished and a bit shy to the frame. Matching numbers on the barrel and frame, and restamped matching numbers on the grip frame, trigger guard, and rammer.

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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ancestryguns

$2400

#250496
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $2,400.00
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