*USA, 1866, Colt Navy Model 1851 Revolver with Leather Holster, London Export Model with London Proof Marks, Matching Serial Numbers, Obsolete Calibre*
Serial No: “187565L” Marked on brass trigger guard, iron frame, back of barrel mount and butt of stock, L565 marked on cylinder. Production date of 1866. (Colt Serial Number records)
Marked on top of barrel: “Address Col. Sam’l Colt, New-York, U.S. America”
Marked on frame: “Colts Patent”.
Marked on brass trigger mount: “36 Cal”
Various proof marks – “Crown over V” (London inspection mark) and “Crown over GP” (Gunmakers Proof) – 1670 onwards London proof marks (Wirnsberger: The Standard Directory of Proof Marks Page 99*).
Holster Marked: Coach Harness
Samuel Colt’s firm in Hartford, Connecticut, was renowned for producing the sought-after Colt Navy pistol, a premier medium-caliber handgun. The term “Navy” was designated by Colt to signify the weapon’s caliber (.36), while the term “Army” was later used for its heavier .44 caliber companion, the Colt Model 1860 Army. The total production of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers reached approximately 215,348 domestic units made at Colt’s Hartford, Connecticut Plant and about 42,000 produced in the Colt London Armory. Of these, the Fourth Model, like this one manufactured in 1866, comprised over half the total, estimated at around 125,000 units.
This is an 1851 Colt Navy Revolver Fourth Model (Serial range 85000-215348 ), features the distinctive large round brass trigger guard of the fourth model and is in excellent condition. Featuring a .36 caliber, six-shot plain cylinder with British proof stamps, this revolver boasts a 7½” long octagonal barrel with an attached loading lever. The barrel exhibits well-defined edges and a clear maker address that reads “ADDRESS COL. SAM’L COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA,” (associated with the serial range of 101,000 to 215348**). The “COLTS PATENT” stamp on the left side of the frame is distinct. The original varnished walnut grips remain in good condition. The caliber marking “36 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard to the rear and was applied on revolvers made in or after 1860.
This specific weapon bears the matching serial number #187565L, with the “L” marking indicating export to London (cf Colt 1851 and 1861 Navies & Conversions” by Robert M Jordan and Don W. Geri. page 76). The presence of the serial number, the “L” mark, and the London proof marks, along with the New York address, indicate that this revolver was intended for export. Revolvers produced at the London Armoury bore a London address on the barrel.
In summary, this original Colt Navy Model 1851 revolver is highly sought after and in very good condition.
*(“On 14 March 1637, the gunsmiths banded together and founded the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers of the City of London. this name has been retained to this day, …It was at this time that the Crown over GP was first used and to this day, this is the mark of the London proof house.. In the year 1670 the charter was confirmed and the power of the organization was extended. The Crown over GP was retained and yet another proof was added – the inspection after proof – and this was marked with Crown over V.“)
**There were 3 different barrel addresses utilized over the course of production. They were, along with the approximate serial number ranges; “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY- ( SN 1-74,000); – ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT. – (74,000 -101,000); – ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA – (101,000 – 215,348).
This comes complete with a black leather holster marked on the back ” Coach Harness”
*Condition*
This rare revolver is in excellent condition. Mechanics are good at half cock and full cock positions. There is no engraving remaining on the cylinder. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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