Identify a 1851 Navy

[556A2]

I have a Colt 1851 Navy model, but don't know if its a Colt reproduction, or another reproduction. The serial numbers on it are 1249X. It has the battle scene engraved on the cylinder with Engaged/Engraved 16 May 1843. Arcoss the top of the barrel is Adress SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY.

So who made it and what is it worth? It has no box, but it is in excellent condition. Any help would be great.

 

[Old Dragoon]

On the cylinder it is Engaged, as in engaged in battle which is the scene on the Cyl.. As to Colt or other mfr., is there any other markings on the gun at all? Look at bottom flat of bbl with the rammer down.
A lot of the second and all the third Gen Colts were made by Uberti, but assembled in America by Colt. so there will not be any proofs on these guns. Also if it has Sam's signature on the backstrap(Grip) it is a Colt.

 

[556A2]

No, the only other marking was the serial number on the actual rammer itself. No sig on the backstrap, and nothing underneath the barrel.

 

[Yankee John]

Strange- Replicas are supposed to say "Black Powder Only" somewhere, usually on the left side of the barrel. Most of the old ones even do.

Pictures would definately help here.

John

 

[556A2]

Strange- Replicas are supposed to say "Black Powder Only" somewhere, usually on the left side of the barrel. Most of the old ones even do.

Pictures would definately help here.

John

I would, but all I have is my camera on my cell phone, and its not up to par. I can verify that there are no blackpowder only markings, no signature, and nothing on the bottom of the barrel.

 

[Old Dragoon]

Makes me think that it possibly was a kit of some kind.
i agree pictures would be great, do you have a friend with a digital camera and a photo program on their computer.

 

[556A2]

I have another digital camera, but its not that great either. I don't really know anyone with a digital camera that has a good quality picture, so mine will most likely suffice. I'll try to shoot them tommorow before I head to work. It looks like a regular 1851; blued barrel, dark brown grips, and colored cased frame. I'll try to get some pics up tommorow.

On clarification on who owned it. It was my uncle's before he died. He had sold off all his guns (he had a large collection), and I found this one along with a Colt Trooper Mark III in his old house. These were the only 2 that he had actually kept. Anywhos, hope yall can help me out.

 

[joab]

From what i remember, the only difference between originals and 2nd generation 1980's reproductions was the serial number range.

I used to have an excellent gun rag article on these repros but my mags were lost in a move

 

[joab]

I continue to amaze myself at how good I am at this

Here's the article
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/cap_ball/

 

[Old Dragoon]

Well it could be an original Colt. On the frame below the cylinder does it have anything printed there? (left Side) also left side on the TG at the rear where it meets the frame is there maybe a 36 stamped there? The S/N on an original is on the gun in three places. turn the gun upside down where the bbl meets the frame there will be a s/n, on the frame at the same place there will be a s/n and on the bottom of the gripframe there will be a s/n. Also i think the arbor has a s/n as well as the cyl. IF IT IS A REAL ORIGINAL COLT.

 

[556A2]

Ok here are where Serial Numbers are located: On the barrel portion where it meets the frame, below that on the frame, below that below a screw, but in front of the trigger guard. On the grip handle, and on the cylinder. Here is a pic to show where they are.



There is no 36 near the trigger guard, and the only thing next to the cylinder on the frame is Colts Patent. Also, on the Serial Number on the grip, the 1 is missing, its just the last 4 digits.

S/N is 1249X

 

[Old Dragoon]

My best Guess, and it is a guess, is that it is a second Generation Colt, The S/n are where they were on original Colt's, but the originals would have had the 36 in the little triangle on the left of the TG where the rear of the TG meets the frame. Serial numbers were continued by Colt from the last production number of the model of the first GEN (originals).
None of the Other Reproductions has the Colt's Patent under the cylinder.

Nice Pistol, glad you "Rescued" it. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the Second Generation,s will post.It does appear to me to be a Genuine Second Gen Colt. IMHO

 

[joab]

Scroll about half way down there are some very detailed pictures and descriptions of original Col 51, if that doesn't help I'm still looking forthe same type info on the Second Gens
http://www.armscollectors.com/mgs/colts_navies_part_1.htm

 

[gopguy]

Looking at your picture, even though it is fuzzy I can make out the Colt's Patent on the side of the frame below the cylinder. The Nickle plated square back trigger and the markings you have mentioned indicate it is a Second issue Colt Navy made in the 1970s. The serial number indicates it was made in 1974 according to RL Wilson's book "Colt An American Legend". Colt marketed these as being a continuation of the line and not a reproduction. Hence you won't see the black powder only markings. The originals did not have them as there was nothing but black powder. I have a number of these 70s and 80s vintage Colt Black Powder revolvers and love them. I live in SW Ohio and around here without the box the most you can hope to get is between $350 and $400. Not sure where you are or what the market is like.
Tim

 

[Old Dragoon]

GOPGUY
Da*n am I good or what. !t sure looked like a second Gen to me too. I thank you for myself and TSB1719.

 

[556A2]

Thanks guys, I really apreciate it. I may end up selling it, but only because I have his other Colt. I just can't really justify having it since it would only be a safe queen so to speak. Plus my uncle was the type of guy that would want me to use it to get the gun that I really wanted. I still haven't decided, and plus I don't even know what the laws are selling BP guns.

 

[joab]

In most places they are not considered firearms.
Cabelas will send you one through the mail

 

[Weird Guy]

In most states selling black powder guns has few, or more often NO laws at all for them. They are considered "Antique firearms" and have a lot less restrictions on them.

North Carolina included. I just read some of the laws the ATF have online and they treat them like everyone else does. You cannot sell one to a minor, but there isn't any other restrictions.

 

[Old Dragoon]

WG,
What are the restrictions for BP weapons in N.C. I'm relocating there later in the spring. Can you recieve them in the mail, etc.

 

[gmatov]

OD,

You watch the auctions pretty good. Ever see a seller from NC? Check his stipulations if you find one.

We're learning what states NOT to buy from, 1 by 1.

Cheers,

George

 

[Steve499]

Moving to N.C., Old Dragoon? I'll be watching closely to see how long it takes for your accent to change!

Steve

 

[BP Tess]

Be careful OD, you're gettin' aweful close to those good ole hickerys here in Indiana on your way to NC. I have family in Fayettville. I hear that the blackpowder smells sooo good over in that part of the country. ALMOST as good as it does here in IN

 

[Old Dragoon]

BPTess,
Yeah I'm waiting for spring to try to pass thru Indiana just to smell the hardwoods in the spring one more time. Maybe take a hike thru a ciouple with my '58.

George,
No restrictions coming out, what I want to know about is incoming to N.C. Guess I'kll look on GB and see what their help says. I had heard that there were restrictions like paperwork to recieve there. if so I ain't going there!