1851 Colt Navy replica

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I have in my possession and with the possibility to purchase, an 1851 Colt Navy replica cap & ball revolver. It is a brass framed, plain cylinder (no engraving), with 71/2 in barrel. Over all condition of the gun is good to very good, blueing and brass good I have shot the gun and it does not shoot to bad, in fact pretty good considering a few negatives. First, the barrel and forcing cone is pitted, and cylinder chambers are some what over sized,(and slightly pitted) need .380 ball, and not all chambers are the same, but loadable. Timing and lock up are right on, and fairly smooth, wedge fits good, barrel and cylinder gap about .005 +/-. After shooting I took it completely down and the insides and hardware all look good no rust. Recoil shield not peened and arbor tight and bottoms out. (was shimmed)

On the right side of barrel is stamped, cal .36 Navy Model- made in Italy
On the right side of barrel at wedge opening is stamped with a shield type design with circle above, and next to it, PN with circle above
On the right side of the brass frame are the same markings, plus XXVI
Serial # on frame and barrel are the same plus number inside wood grips the same (1035)
On underside of barrel is stamped ( FAGS ).
My main question is, who is the manufacture and date, any body know. Owner asking $175
 
Google Italian proof marks. Most of the marks are proof marks. The Roman Numerals are year of mfg code. You’ll also see various manufacturers marks. You’ll be able to match it up with a little research.
As to price. I wouldn’t buy it for that.
 
It is not that i need it, i got plenty already:) . It is from a man that has passed and someone gave widow my name and that i deal in them (which i do not) just trying not to hurt someones feelings. What did interest me was the (FAGS) stamped under the barrel. Seems like it was made in 1970. I thought I had read some were, some time ago, this company was the beginning of Pietta. Going to fool with it a little more, and maybe offer $80-$100.
 
$175? You can get a new steel peitta 1851 from EMF right now for $205. Steel body with a gun thats passed EMF's strict quality guidelines for only 30 bux more. EMF actually goes over each gun with a magnifying glass and even the slightest scratch is considered an imperfection and wont be added to their inventory for sale. They arent like the other retailers that just get large shipments and sell whatever they get...although piettas quality control has been exceptionally good the past couple years so im assuming EMF doesnt get many guns that dont meet their expectations. Emf also only accepts guns with a very tight cylinder gap and smooth action and timing.....005 is a lil on the big side for me as i prefer no more than half that at .0025 max and all my guns are .0015-.0025
 
Here is a link to a nice basic document on replica markings -
http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf
Yup XXVI indicated 1970 proof
PN with a star inside a circle (sort of) is an Italian proof mark
There is some speculation the FAGS could be Fabrica Armi Gradoga

Here is a link to a French forum translated into english -
https://translate.google.com/transl...oire-free-fr.superforum.fr/t140-marquage-fags

There is some collector interest in the older replicas (1960s-1970s) especially from obscure manufacturers, but it is a small market.
 
I will try and see if this person knows where or when this gun was bought. that article that Theroddoc posted had the same serial #, small world. If guns could only talk.
 
With the brass frame and plain cylinder, you have what is called the "accidental" Scheider and Glassic Confederate replica.
I have one, good shooter. These replicas are very few, I would buy it for that price.
The Remington 1858 forum has a sub forum for these replicas, interesting reading.
 
The owner had originally allowed me too fire it and examine it. After testing, I cleaned and returned the gun thanking them and gave my offer of $100. I explained I was not trying to low ball them, just what my opinion was, along with, some black powder history on reproductions and their values (strictly my opinion). Just got an e-mail, stating, if not sold by Monday at the facility it is at ?, they will accept my offer if i still wanted. My understanding is it has been for sale for sometime and it is not generating any activity.
 
Price is too high for that gun.
You may be right on your assessment, but in this hobby I see a lot of things i feel are not worth the price. This gun shoots (groups) and operates almost up to speed with a brand new Pietta 1851 Colt. Which is really surprising for the condition the barrel and forcing cone are in. The fitting and machine work is impressive for the year it was made in. I get the brass frame and lower charge thing, but it is sort of time period correct. I am not what I would call a hardcore black powder enthusiast, I am mostly a modern gun type. I do have a T/C Seneca rifle in .36, and two Pietta 1851 Colt handguns which I do shoot moderately and enjoy. It is really a shame this gun was neglected. I just may give it a caring home, still kicking it around.:)
 
Couldn’t hold off any more. Bought one today from EMF. Will look nice with my Ruger Old Armies. Now a conversation cylinder after I get it
 
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