Colt Cased & Factory Engraved 1851 Navy

Description

RARE 1st year, 2nd Model, engraved by Gustave Young! This classic Colt Model 1851 Navy is an incredibly rare 2nd model according to Colt records, because it falls strictly within the early 800 to 4,200 serial number range. This original Colt Navy holds significant historical & collector value as it was a 1st year production, being manufactured in 1851. The engraving you see is almost certainly the work of Master Engraver Gustave Young. The engraving is identical to other Colt revolvers engraved by Young & his shop when they were the primary engraving contractors for Colt in 1850s & 1860s. This is a fully matching numbered gun including the wedge & correctly, this has the 'dot' either above or below each number, indicating factory engraving rather than a gun which was embellished at a later time by the owner. Young's classic German-American scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds is featured on the rear 3'' of the barrel, the sides of the loading lever, all of the frame, the upper portion of the hammer & on the grip frame. Among the scrolls there are floral accents throughout as well as fan designs. The left side of the frame has the hand inscribed "COLTS/PATENT" marking in a panel among the scrolls that is typical of Young's work & the work around the serial numbers on the barrel lug & frame are also consistent with his work. The barrel has a brass cone front sight & the "-ADDRESS SAMUEL COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" address line still clearly visible. The cylinder has the (very worn) standard navy roll scene & it sports fully matching serial numbers. We think this is in very good condition with the age darkened original silver plating remaining on portions of the grip frame & natural aged patina visible across the gun. The grips are also fine & although we aren't really sure what material it is with a very small chip at the bottom of the left grip. The wood case with the Royal Blue velvet lining is in excellent condition as it was very well made by Willis & Co. of 382 Little Collins St, Melbourne who were known for their quality, often handmade merchandise. This is mechanically fine other than it will not hold on the first half cock. This attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy embellished by legendary Master Engraver Gustave Young comes with all accessories & accouchements shown in the case including a bullet mold, powder measure/tool, brass bottle for oil, cleaning rod & leather wrapped powder flask/measurer, all inside a period correct & lockable wooden case! This would certainly have been purchased by a man of significant wealth & it is quite possible this was used during the US Civil War before making its way down under, making it a great addition to any serious collection of antique Colts so don’t hesitate if you think this is for you. You will know if this is for you so view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired. Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired 🙃& this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. Being a pre-1900 pistol with no commercial ammunition available, you can buy this without a firearms license!

Specifications