Question on arsenal refinished Colt '51 Navy

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A34

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Hey guys,

I have a question for the group. I found this '51 Navy for sale locally. The person who has it said it is an arsenal refinished pistol and sent me the link from where he bought it. Here is an excerpt from the description:

" Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Colt Navy Model 1851 Percussion Revolver in .36 caliber was widely used by both sides in the U.S. Civil War. The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber (i.e., .36 cal), later known as the Colt 1851 Navy or Navy Revolver, is a cap and ball revolver that was designed by Samuel Colt between 1847 and 1850. Colt first called this Revolver Ranger model; but the designation Navy quickly took over. It remained in production until 1873, when revolvers using fixed metallic cartridges came into widespread use.

This particular example was re-assembled by Army Workshops from War Damaged Colt Navy Revolvers, in about 1863. It's serial number ion the cylinder is 13890 made in 1852 , on the frame 30506 made in 1853, on the Trigger guard 81399 made in 1858 and on the barrel 112780 made in 1862. The great shortage of weapons compelled both sides to rebuild weapons from those that were destroyed in combat, and this was especially true of the Confederacy.

Top of the barrel still has part the original Colt markings visible:

- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT

Guns with "Mixed Numbers" are always looked down upon by Collectors however these examples of multi-numbered Civil War Revolvers are the evidence that in the time

of war such measures were very much necessary and it made no difference to the Trooper on whatever side whether his gun was matching numbers as long as he could defend himself with it. Probably having countless stories to relate each part has its own individual history and then a fresh history once re-built and re-issued yet again probably in 1863.


Sometime after that, abalone shell diamonds were inlayed into the grips, which while solid, are worn so that they do not show the original cartouches. The revolver cycles correctly, though it is stiff and somewhat finicky, expected from a revolver of this age and usage.

Re-blued over some pitting but usable in 1863 and now ready to display."

Is this something that happened during the war, or a bit of salesmanship? I'll let the selling company rename nameless for the moment. I've heard of arsenal rebuilds in modern times, but nothing like what is described above. Would appreciate your thoughts on if this accurate. Looking at the pics, there doesn't appear to be one matching numbered piece on the pistol.
Thanks!
 
Assuming that is the gun being discussed, it already is listed as "Sold out" so I can't see what the price was. There certainly is a lot wrong with it, and I don't see much value for either the shooter or the collector. Were I seriously in the market for an original - for either purpose - I would have passed on it.
 
Yes, that's it. The person who has it now, bought it from the company in the link. I really appreciate the info. I'm tempted to buy as a shooter, but not really sure if I want it even for that.
 
It's not even worth anything as a shooter as is. There's way too much cylinder gap. That might be closed up enough if the arbor was shortened. The barrel lug doesn't meet the frame but if the arbor was shortened the wedge slot would be way off. The frame is worthless as a collector piece as is the barrel. The internal parts, grip frame, cylinder and loading lever assembly might bring 300.00. I wouldn't touch it for anything over 200.00. My guess is whoever is selling it realized he got screwed and wants his money back which is probably closer to 900.00.
 
Thank you gentlemen. I have let the seller know he should contact the company he purchased it from and request his money back as it was misrepresented.
 
All other things set aside, this definitely is not a .44 frame - look closely. If it was a .44, then the cut should start roughly from the front of the trigger guard. This cut is angled and in the wrong place, way back.
 
All other things set aside, this definitely is not a .44 frame - look closely. If it was a .44, then the cut should start roughly from the front of the trigger guard. This cut is angled and in the wrong place, way back.

You're right it is. I just noticed the rebate. I wonder what was up with that.
 
I'm surprised that IMA is the source of this. I've had dealings with them for years, and they've generally been knowledgeable and reliable.
 
So is the general consensus here that the serial numbers are wrong also. It does list them in manufactured time frame. A parts gun from original parts. ??
The cylinder gap corresponds with the apparent frame to barrel gap. Wedge not seated properly.
 
So is the general consensus here that the serial numbers are wrong also. It does list them in manufactured time frame. A parts gun from original parts. ??
The cylinder gap corresponds with the apparent frame to barrel gap. Wedge not seated properly.

Seemingly original parts. The dates listed on the trigger guard and barrel are off by one year. The wedge is driven in too deep, probably worn. The gap is because the arbor is too long and bottomed out in the hole before the barrel was fully seated.
 
Seemingly original parts. The dates listed on the trigger guard and barrel are off by one year. The wedge is driven in too deep, probably worn. The gap is because the arbor is too long and bottomed out in the hole before the barrel was fully seated.
So basically a 1800 hundreds gun or …….. ??
 
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