A34
Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2021
- Messages
- 30
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!
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!