Guns International #: 103171302
Seller's Inventory #: 57981

Category - Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion - Antique Revolvers - Percussion

Category
Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion
Antique Revolvers - Percussion

Beautiful Engraved Cased Presentation Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver .36 cal 1855 Gov of Indiana & von Oppen 1859

Description:
This London Colt Model 1851 Navy .36 caliber percussion revolver, serial number 23697, was made in 1855. 7 1/2 inch octagon barrel. It is original fatory engraving and features dark burl walnut grips. All numbers are matching, including the wedge which properly has the last two digits of the serial number. On the backstrap, it is period and most likely factory engraved: To Governor J.A. Wright / from his friend/ Fr. Von Oppen 1859. This exact presentation is repeated on the brass plaque on the lid of the factory wood case. The gun is in exceptional condition for its age. The engraving and all markings are sharp and clear. The frame retains a fair amount of original case colors. Barrel retains 80% original blue, having flaked in a few areas, with some dings in the metal by the wedge. The cylinder retains all of the nice clear naval engagement scene. Proper Crown V proofs on various parts. The iron trigger guard retains 40% original silver plated finish which has tarnished with age. Bore is excellent. The nipples are all sharp. Action is sharp and crisp. The gun is very greasy. Grips have some light dings and handling marks with some minor varnish loss.

The original wood case has some old age cracks but is solid, lid does not sit perfectly flat due to some slight warpage of the wood. Lining is intact, showing age. Original label on the inside of the lid. Accompanied by a all metal cleaning rod, a mostly empty tin of Eley Bros Metal Lined Caps Made expressly for Colt's Pt Belt and Pocket Pistols, James Dixon flask (the spring is broken but the broken piece is present), original tool with most of the original blued finish, and 6 spare nipples. There is a compartment for a long gone bullet mold. The compartment lid for the lead balls is cracked in the middle and should be addressed. The partitions are all solid. Key is not present.   

(Presentee) Governor J.A. Wright (Joseph Albert Wright) was born in Pennsylvania. He received his law degree in 1829. Wright served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1833-1838, the Indiana Senate (1839-1842), and the United States Congress (1843-1845). In 1849 he was elected Gov of Indiana and we reelected in 1852 (serving from 1849-1857).
Following his term as Gov of Indiana, he was appointed by President James Buchanan. as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Prussia from 1857 to 1851. He was a firm Union supporter during the Civil War and was appointed as US Senator from 1862-1863.
In 1863, he was appointed commissioner to the Hamburg Exhibition and in 1865 went again to Prussia, holding the same post as before, until his death in Berlin on March 11, 1867.

Wright composed Indiana's contribution to the words on the Washington Monunment in Washington DC: "Indiana knows no East, no West, no North, no South, nothing by the Union".

(Presentor) Baron Frederic von Oppen was Colt's Agent in London. Prussian born, he played a key role in expanding Colt firearms in the European market. It has also been said that he married Samuel Colt's former mistress and sister-in-law, Caroline Henshaw.

At the time of the presentation, Gov Wright was serving in an official capacity as E.E.&M.P. for the United States in Prussia. It is very reasonable that he would have crossed paths several times with Baron Fr. von Oppen, Prussian born and working for Colt in London, during his tenure there.  

This gun has been known by us since 1986 where it was in a local house. The family lore was that it had been taken in trade in the early 1930's by the grandfather in exchange for work done.

All in all, a really super London Colt Navy revolver which has a great historical presentation during a tumultuous time involving 2 very interesting figures, condition, engraving, and the original case!  

Serial number is 23697

ANTIQUE!

Buyer pays $500 shipping CONUS, including full insurance and tracking. AK & HI are extra.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, checks, and money orders. ALL CARD PURCHASES ARE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL 3% CHARGE. Unfortunately we no longer offer lay-away, AT ALL. FULL payment is to be received within 10 days. We make no warranties or guarantees as to the fire-ability or safety of doing so on any of these items.  Firearms are not test fired, however we do test the action to see if it functions properly for a dry fire. We do not put any ammo in it or disassemble to check internal parts. We will sometimes take off barrels or stocks in an attempt to prevent damage in shipping. We only sell used guns, and have no way to know how many rounds have been through them.  WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY. ALL FIREARMS, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR FEDERAL ANTIQUE STATUS have to be shipped to a dealer for transfer within NY. Other states are fine, depending on your state laws. We will not ship to a New York, NJ, or CA C&R holder, a standard FFL is required.  There are some states in which a C&R handgun MUST be shipped to a dealer, such as MD. Please know your local laws. We are not going to risk OUR livelihood. WE DO NOT OFFER ANY IN STORE PICK UP, EVERYTHING WILL BE SHIPPED.

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .36
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851
Serial Number: 23697
Barrel Length: 7.5
Manufacture Date: 1855
Engraving: yes
Extras: tool, rod, flask, nipples, cap tin
Case: yes

Price: $37,500.00
Shipping: $500.00
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