[Racinbob]

Here's another one of the old guns my friend has. Am I correct that this is a 1849 Colt copy? On the top of the barrel is 'ARM1 SAN PAOLO-BRESCIA' the the left, '36 CAL NAVY MODEL', the right, 'FOR BLACK POWDER ONLY MADE IN ITALY'. That black powder only caution leads me to believe it's much more modern. Any imput?

[Jim Watson]

It is a modern copy of the 1851 Colt "Navy", as marked.

The (square) AD is the Italian date code for manufacture in 1978.

I do not know anything in particular about Armi San Paolo, but it does not look as nicely made as the more common Uberti, Pietta, or Armi San Marco. As best as I can tell under the rust.

[Old Fuff]

It's seen better days, but you're right. It an Italian (more or less) copy of Colt's .36 caliber 1851 Navy model with a less expensive brass rather then steel frame. Most likely made during the later 20th century, not the 19th. In its present condition it's not worth much.

[Racinbob]

Thanks for the info. I emailed my friend and told her that this looks to be a good candidate to restore to pretty looking and make it a wall hanger.

[Old Fuff]

... this looks to be a good candidate to restore to pretty looking and make it a wall hanger.

I think that's what the manufacturer intended... :scrutiny:

[JamesKelly]

You might want to check & make sure it is unloaded.

If so, consider takeing some bronze wool (kitchen supply stuff), and rub out most of that rust with your favorite penetrating oil. For more difficult rust, use a piece of brass or copper. No steel wool!!! This gets the rust out with minimal damage to what blue remains. Then it can look more or less like an old gun that has seen some use.

Also I'd tighten up those screws holding the grip frame to the lock frame.

[Racinbob]

Actually, the screws are missing. She didn't realize that the two items belonged together. I just set them together for the pic. Being a wallhanger it's an easy fix. Thanks for the advice on cleaning it up.

[bluesman1952]

It is a modern copy of the 1851 Colt "Navy", as marked.

The (square) AD is the Italian date code for manufacture in 1978.

I do not know anything in particular about Armi San Paolo, but it does not look as nicely made as the more common Uberti, Pietta, or Armi San Marco. As best as I can tell under the rust.
I have the same gun in fine shape and it was given to me way before 1978 and I don't know what you mean by (square) AD??
How do I know what I have here?? I will post a picture if you give me reason to believe this is genuine???
Can I take a black powder gun to a pawn broker in Virginia, or is it not legal to do that?

Thanks
Joe

[Jim Watson]

Put up some pictures and a close description of the markings.

I don't know pawn laws in Virginia, but there is nothing against pawning a gun in Federal law. Quite the opposite, pawnbrokers are closely regulated.

[Ron James]

As requested please post some pictures and list the markings . If it is a replica, the value is not very high and you will receive even less from a pawn shop. If it is original ( there are still treasures in the attic , the value is very high and you will receive only a fraction of that from a pawn shop.