Well, yeah, I am parading my latest toy around to the forums but what the heck...not everyone views all the forums. Bear with me fellow forum jumpers.
It's a 4th Model made in 1861. It was re-blued some time ago (not sure when). That took away from the value but protected the metal. Every part, including the wedge, has the same serial number.
So, this is what I'm asking - strip the blue and refinish it in a more natural finish or leave it alone? (I got a really good deal so the resale value isn't an issue)
Most say leave it alone. I'm not sure yet...
http://i40.tinypic.com/dgjdqe.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2sbu8v5.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/32zo16x.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/rkoftf.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/20iys8k.jpg
If you enjoyed reading about "Colt 1851 .36 Navy" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
rondog
March 11, 2009, 04:41 PM
Leave it alone, IMO. How does it shoot? I have a repro from Bass Pro Shops in .44, and I've NEVER been able to determine where the bullets are hitting. Gonna have to put a target in the middle of a 4x8 backboard to find out.
pohill
March 11, 2009, 04:43 PM
I just got it yesterday. I'm in the process of stripping and cleaning it. I'll probably shoot it at least once - it's 148 years old.
Gambit88
March 11, 2009, 06:54 PM
Thats nice right there. My repro dont even look that good. Excellent find
pohill
March 11, 2009, 07:40 PM
Compared to a Pietta (bottom). The parts do not interchange at all. The Pietta's barrel and cylinder are larger.
http://i43.tinypic.com/rr6oev.jpg
Dr.Rob
March 11, 2009, 07:43 PM
I'd bet it still has some serious value.. I'd letter it if you haven't already.
pohill
March 11, 2009, 07:56 PM
I thought about trying to get a letter for it. Where do you start?
arcticap
March 11, 2009, 08:44 PM
I'd bet it still has some serious value.. I'd letter it if you haven't already.
Pohill, I think that Dr. Rob wants you to imprint your gun with the letters
P-O-H-I-L-L so no one will try to steal it! :neener:
Seriously though, that revolver does look like it's in great condition and
I like the finish the way it is.
historynut
March 11, 2009, 09:42 PM
Getting the letter from Colt is easy... Contact the historian at Colt via phone, email or US Mail and inquire as to the price of getting the letter. Provide them with the info about your gun: model, serial number, etc and they will go through their records to find the date of manufacture, finish, and where the gun was shipped to from the Hartford factory, number of guns shipped to wherever, etc. They will put all of this info on Colt letterhead and send it your way (assuming yours is not in the batch of records destroyed by fire years ago).
I did this about 18 years ago on an 1861 Navy that I found while relic hunting - I'm not sure what the cost is these days.
Incidentally, that's a great looking '51 (reblued or not) at a great price - congrats!!
pohill
March 11, 2009, 10:35 PM
That was easy to find. Now I gotta sell the gun to pay for the letter.
Maybe someday...
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/2005%20COLT%20ARCHIVE%20SERVICES%20PRICE%20LIST.pdf
historynut
March 15, 2009, 01:46 PM
Wow - thanks for sharing the list. I agree that $300 is WAY too steep for a letter. I'd call them and pretend that you don't know this list exists and see what they say about the price of getting the letter. I looked through my notes and I paid $50 way back when. Even with inflation, $300 is out of bounds to me. Wonder what the 2009 prices are... Obvioiusly, they can charge whatever they want as it's a unique service that only they can provide but I'd still call them and see what they say... You're '51 is very nice and might have a cool shipping manufacturing/shipping story...
messerist
March 15, 2009, 06:04 PM
Heck I'd forget the letter and use the $300 and buy another Navy to shoot.:D Save the original and leave it as is.
pohill
March 15, 2009, 07:14 PM
.......
pohill
March 15, 2009, 09:11 PM
.........
schizuki
March 15, 2009, 11:22 PM
Pohill, is that a brass frame on that "Witney"? Are you sure it's not a Spiller & Burr? Or Heaven forbid, a Spiller & Burr repro?
pohill
March 15, 2009, 11:29 PM
No, that's an iron framed Whitney (it does look brassy in that pic). The iron takes on a nice plumb brown color that really doesn't show in that pic.
This pic shows the color better (with a Spiller & Burr repro):
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ncm5v.jpg
schizuki
March 16, 2009, 12:12 PM
Ah, I see now. Very nice.
madcratebuilder
March 16, 2009, 12:20 PM
Your getting a very nice collection of original iron there bud.
I keep thinking about getting an original open top.....
If you enjoyed reading about "Colt 1851 .36 Navy" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
