Navy Arms Gregorelli Uberti 1851 Navy Question

[white smoke]

I recently acquired a Navy Arms 1851 Navy by Gregorelli and Uberti. The serial number is 216X and it has no proof marks or date code. Upon taking it all the way apart, I discovered a 2 digit assembly number on many parts, including the grips. The right side of the barrel assembly has made in Italy and the G U stamped on it. I'm wondering if someone here could date it based on that info? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[44 Dave]

G. U. is Gregorelli & Uberti. They were in business from about 1959-1962 when Aldo Uberti split off and formed his own company.
Both the Navy Arms 1851 Navy and the "G&G" did not have separate serial number ranges and were numbered sequentially as they came off the assembly line.

Many of the early G.U. guns did not have Italian proof marks nor date codes.
I have a Navy Arms "REB" #595, from the first year of production

 

[hawg]

I'd say 59 or 60. I doubt it would be any later than that.

 

[white smoke]

Thanks guys. I knew it had to be an early one.

 

[hawg]

It's a nice looking piece to be that old.

 

[white smoke]

Yes it is. Probably shot once or twice and tucked away for 60 years. No rust anywhere.

 

[cowboydave]

That is a beautiful gun. Congrats on your find.

 

[44 Dave]

The Navy Arms "REB" had a brass frame and round barrel (Griswold and Gunnison)

 

[white smoke]

Nice rig.

 

[ShotgunDave]

Hawg is correct. The guns with no date code are either 1959 or 1960. In 1961 they began using a date code. With your 4 digit serial, beginning with a 2. I'd say yours is most probably from the first year of production, 1959. I have one myself, and it's most probably a 1959 gun as well.

Nice find.

 

[white smoke]

Thanks Shotgun Dave. Good information

 

[Zulch]

Thanks Shotgun Dave. Good information

White Smoke,
Good morning sir. Seems you got your answer. Anyway, I have a 1962 GU 1851 with the serial number being in the 5000+ range if that helps affirm the aforementioned comments.

 

[Zulch]

WS, She's a beauty by the way. Looks to be in nicer condition than mine.

 

[Zulch]

This may be helpful.

 

[white smoke]

This may be helpful.

Thanks, I'm aware of the date codes. Problem is this piece has no date code. Just a low 2000 serial number.

 

[woodnbow]

Thanks, I'm aware of the date codes. Problem is this piece has no date code. Just a low 2000 serial number.

That’s not a problem, it’s a feature. It indicates the vintage as well as the date codes…

I seem to recall that they made a couple thousand units of the Navy and the same quantity of the “Reb”.

 

[Fingers McGee]

I have two of the early GU G&Gs Serial numbers 1052 and 1712. Serial number 1052 has Navy Arms; Made in Italy; and G&U markings but no proof marks or date code. Serial number 1712 has all the normal replica markings with a date code of XII - 1956
Both have never been fired, in fact they've never been cleaned or polished

 

[white smoke]

Very nice.

 

[hawg]

I have two of the early GU G&Gs Serial numbers 1052 and 1712. Serial number 1052 has Navy Arms; Made in Italy; and G&U markings but no proof marks or date code. Serial number 1712 has all the normal replica markings with a date code of XII - 1956
Both have never been fired, in fact they've never been cleaned or polished

View attachment 1045767 View attachment 1045768

I knew Val Forgett started Navy Arms in 1956 but I didn't think anything was made by G&U until he contacted them in 1958. I always thought the first ones didn't ship until 1959. So much for what I know.

 

[Fingers McGee]

I knew Val Forgett started Navy Arms in 1956 but I didn't think anything was made by G&U until he contacted them in 1958. I always thought the first ones didn't ship until 1959. So much for what I know.

Correction: Double checked the date code, using a magnifying glass.The date code is code is XVI - 1960, not XII. The VI looks like II to the nsked eye. Hawg is correct.