Advice and value for of a brass frame Pietta 1851 Confederate Navy black powder revolver.

Status
Not open for further replies.

mcb

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2008
Messages
8,726
Location
North Alabama
So a coworker has offered me Pietta 1851 Confederate Navy Black Powder Revolver. I saw it today and it's in pretty good shape, no major dings or scraps but some wear for normal use. He is throwing in most of partial pound of 777, powder measure, flask, 50+ round balls, wads, and a partial tin of caps.

Assume good but not excellent condition what you you offer for this setup? Are there any major pitfalls with the brass framed 1851's?

For reference I am a big modern double action revolver shooter. I do have one other cap and ball revolver, a replica of a Spiller And Burr replica. So I an not a novice to cap and ball but I am far from an expert.
 
Being a brass frame, your max loads (esp. with T7) will be limited or you will stretch or damage the frame. I'm assuming this is one of the .44 versions? Your MAX load would be limited to 25gr and I would suggest much less, probably 18-20 on a regular diet. IMHO I wouldn't go much over $175 even though prices have risen dramatically recently.
EDIT:
The last gun I bought like yours I paid $100.00 for and it only had 24 rounds through it.
The "Reb Navy" was never a "thing" so it would not be HC, although they make fun little shooters. Two things to check; barrel (forcing cone) to cylinder gap LESS THAN .005 and look for imprinting of the ratchet teeth on the inside of the recoil shield. If either or both are present, run, Forrest.
 
Last edited:
Being a brass frame, your max loads (esp. with T7) will be limited or you will stretch or damage the frame. I'm assuming this is one of the .44 versions? Your MAX load would be limited to 25gr and I would suggest much less, probably 18-20 on a regular diet. IMHO I wouldn't go much over $175 even though prices have risen dramatically recently.
Yes, brass frame 44 caliber.

What kind of velocity would one expect with typical and max loads in this revolver?
 
You might want to round it up to $200 due to the extras, that's up to you. Just consider that for another 100 or so you can generally get a steel framed version and never have to worry about overcharging.
 
I have a Pietta Griswold and Gunninson. Purchased on sale from EMFCompany. Today they list it at $225.00.
Possibly that could give you a base line. Less than $200 I’d venture.
If it’s Piettas version in 44 caliber I’ve seen that listed at $239.00.
I load my 36 with 17 grains of 3f and a .375 round ball.
To add. I just bought a steel frame “1851” Navy in 44 caliber for $150.00. All of these are “fantasy” guns as none existed during the civil war. The confederates did copy the 1851 Navy using a brass frame but left it as a 36 caliber.
 
Last edited:
I sold off nearly all of my used brass frame revolvers approximately 5 years ago on Gun Broker and they all sold for $175 or more plus shipping
I'm certain they would sell for more today
I'd expect the package you are looking at to sell for $250+ on GB today minus the BP that you aren't supposed to ship
Face to Face in a local market he might be hard pressed to find someone to offer $150
 
Thanks guys, having not shopped for a Cap and Ball revolver in a long time and never for a used one I had no dies what they are worth in the used market.
 
If I were to guess I’d guess GB is popular amongst folks who don’t have a clue. But then again perhaps I’m the clueless one……….:evil::what:
 
I have a brand new one. Bought it, but just haven't gotten around to using it. PM me if you'd be interested.
 
Howdy

The very first revolver I ever bought was this Uberti 44 Caliber, brass framed 'Navy', back in 1968.

The Colt Navy was never made chambered for 44 only 36, but I did not know that in 1968.

Be very careful how much powder you put into it. No one was cautioning us about heavy loads with brass framed revolvers back in 1968. After quite a few 40 grain loads, the frame is now stretched and it is nothing but a wall hanger. I would stay away from 777 too, which is more powerful than real Black Powder. No idea how much to tell you to pay for it, it's been over 50 years since I bought it. I think I paid around $40 back then.

po10HmLRj.jpg
 
So a coworker has offered me Pietta 1851 Confederate Navy Black Powder Revolver. I saw it today and it's in pretty good shape, no major dings or scraps but some wear for normal use. He is throwing in most of partial pound of 777, powder measure, flask, 50+ round balls, wads, and a partial tin of caps.

Assume good but not excellent condition what you you offer for this setup? Are there any major pitfalls with the brass framed 1851's?

For reference I am a big modern double action revolver shooter. I do have one other cap and ball revolver, a replica of a Spiller And Burr replica. So I an not a novice to cap and ball but I am far from an expert.

Brassers are made for low cost and are a good option for looking at or shooting one time and putting on a wall. 777 is a SNAPPY powder with higher pressure than the same volume of premium black powder. If I had to use it in a brasser, 15 grains + filler would be my choice. For black powder, 18 grains is a good maximum. I wouldn’t spend more than $250 for a gun that weak and historically inaccurate.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top