Guns International #: 103231514
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Guns International #: 103231514
Exceedingly Rare 1851 Colt Navy Wells Fargo Percussion Revolver Short 4" Bbl w/o Loading Lever Experimental Special Order Pistol 1852
Description: Exceedingly Rare Short Barreled Model 1851 Colt Navy “Wells Fargo” Revolver without Loading Lever fitted with Ivory Grips, .36 Cal, mfg. 1852 with 4" barrel. This is by far the most special ‘51 Navy we have personally handled. There are many variations and and a few oddities found throughout Model 1851 production but the so-called “Wells Fargo” style may just be the rarest. The Wells Fargo variant emerged during Model 1849 pocket production as a carryover from the previous Model 1848 Baby Dragoon and utilized a distinct short, squared-off solid barrel lug without a loading lever. About 6,000 Model 1849 Wells Fargo models were made with barrel lengths ranging from 3" (standard) to 6" and are considered scarce today. For the Model 1851 Navy however, a 7 ½" barrel with loading lever was the only configuration officially offered. In “The Book of Colt Firearms” by R.L. Wilson he states: "Any Navy with barrel measuring other than the standard 7 ½" is rare…Special order lengths known include 5 3/16", 6", 10", and 12"…Such variations are extremely rare. Wells Fargo style barrels, short in length and without loading levers, were possibly made by the factory as experimental or special order guns. However, the authors have yet to see a genuine specimen". In “ ’51 Colt Navies” author Nathan L. Swayze claims that in his opinion experimental round barreled Navies are the “rarest of the rare” yet he was still able to find and photograph two examples for his book. While he too acknowledges the extreme rarity of experimental or special order barrel lengths no Wells Fargo models are discussed. We have thoroughly examined this revolver and can conclusively say without question the barrel is factory original and has not been altered in any way. The length and profile of the barrel lug is totally different from a standard Navy, the loading notch is solid and not cut for use with a loading lever, and the lug was never drilled for a lever or plunger (a standard Model 1851 Navy is shown for comparison and is not included). The front sight is perfectly positioned and muzzle naturally worn over. The barrel is totally unique and authentic. Overall the metal has a smooth worn chocolate patina thinning to gray with light surface marring scattered throughout. Brass gripstraps have turned a goldenrod color with blackened patina in protected areas. Period ivory grips show fantastic frontier charm with swirled yellow/brown color and fit very well overall with minor shrinkage front and back. Matching original serial number “12477” stamped on frame, barrel, triggerguard, backstrap, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The wedge is numbered “2132” but appears to have been with the gun since the period of use. Lightly worn original Colt New York City barrel address with “COLTS PATENT” marking on frame. The Naval engagement cylinder scene has worn away with serial number faint yet legible. Original hammer, trigger, and brass bead front sight. Most, if not all screws appear original. The action is firm and crisp and functions nicely accepting that the cylinder requires just a little manual assistance to fully lock up if cocked slowly. Cylinder locks up on time but with somewhat considerable play. Nipples are all clean originals and barrel is rock solid tight to the frame. Bore shows strong rifling front to back with old rust pitting throughout. Most experimental Colts from this era lived pampered lives so the idea that this one obviously saw frontier use during the Wild West and Civil War years just makes it that much cooler. If you're a collector of antique Colts or especially ‘51 Navies this is an absolute must-have. I doubt you'll ever see another! *NOTE* Due to ivory restrictions this pistol will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. No international sales. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Antique: Yes Handgun Caliber: .36 Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1851 Navy "Wells Fargo Serial Number: 12477 Barrel Length: 4 Manufacture Date: 1852 Extras: w/o Loading Lever Grips: Ivory Price: $8,995.00 Buy Now Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 103231514
Guns International #: 103231514