What do I have here?

[JesseL]

My grandfather passed away a couple years ago and I've been slowly going over my inheritance from him. I found this revolver in the back of his gun safe and I'd appreciate any help in positivly identifying it. It's obviously some sort of Colt open-top cartridge revolver. It's marked "36 CAL" and has patent dates of July 25, 1871 and July 2, 1872. The cylinder is engraved with images of a stagecoach robbery. The frame, barrel, and grip frame bear the serial number 45078. The nickel plating looks to be in about 80% condition.

 

[KriegHund]

I did a google search and from what little i can gather it seems to be a navy revolver.

 

[Velocity229]

It looks very close to the Colt Navy 1861.

These guns sell for thousands.

 

[RyanM]

That's a cartridge conversion of what looks like either an 1861 Navy (6 shots, .36 frame), or 1862 Police (5 shots, .31 frame). I'd guess it's the 1862, based on the "re-bated" cylinder rear. You might get more responses on the black powder forum.

 

[mutt]

$$$$$

And is probably quite valuable. Its looks like a Richards conversion. To maybe take a blackpowder cartridge . But, I've been having some eye problems, and might not see it well enough.................MUTT

 

[Lone Star]

I think it's a Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber with the later M1862 barrel.

M1862 Police guns had fluted cyklinders, usually, anyway.

It definitely isn't the Navy model. Too small, and the cylinder is rebated. This gun is built on a .31 frame altered to use a rebated .36 cylinder.

Lone Star