Colt 1851 Navy update

[Cronus]

I spent an hour with books, diagrams, magnifying glasses, pencil flashlight, etc. and studied that gun up one side and down the other but didn't buy it. For interest sake It had clear, matching serial numbers everywhere, pitting was minimal with no pitting in the barrel or chambers. The rifling was good. Every part was there and appeared original right down to the nipples, firing pins and screws, etc. The grips were a little bruised in areas but acceptable. All the gun action was good and tight. However, the cylinder was a different story. While its action was good and it lined up properly, etc. it was heavily pitted for some reason. There was absoloutely no evidence of a naval scene, battle date, etc. The word "Patented" was visible but it's condition was so out of character with the rest of the gun that I wouldn't have thought it was the original part except the last four digits of the serial number were visible and in agreement.

It was probably a fair price at $1200.00CDN (about $950.00 US) but the seller was rigidly firm and I have a bone in my body that prevents me from paying asking prices. When it was all said and done I picked up the gun one last time just to enjoy the feel of it and I have to tell you I didn't feel an affinity towards this particular one. I love the feel and handling of every one of my muzzleloaders but I found it easy to walk away from this gun. I'll resume my original search for a pepperbox.

So, thanks for everyone's advice. It didn't go to waste as I've been bitten by the civil-war-Colt-bug and will be seriously looking them over (Army and Navy) at a couple of upcoming militaria shows.

 

[Calibre44]

Thanks for the update - best of luck with your search

 

[scrat]

Probably best

 

[pohill]

What exactly are you looking for? In my travels in Maine and New Hampshire, I often stumble across good deals on original guns. I passed on an Allan and Thurber sidehammer target pistol two weeks ago for, I think, $350 (I bought an antique Victrola instead).

 

[Cronus]

Pohill

I like the Allen & Thurber design -6 shot .31/.36 cal. I've been looking at them more than others. However, I'd like to get my hands on an 8 shot Mariette Brevette because it is so unique and I have another Belgium made pistol (1805/10 navy flintlock) and the engineering and quality is to be admired.

 

[pohill]

I'd really like a Root sidehammer. Someday.
I am a Belgian gun fan. I bought a rifle/musket with so many Belgian marks on it I lost count (16 on the lockwork alone). It's an 1853 model, made in 1858, then for some reason an 1841 barrel was put on it and reamed into a smoothbore. Here's a few of the marks on the barrel:




I fired it last fall - did you know you're supposed to take the ramrod out before you fire it? Well, I plumb forgot.