GR-0726-7031 — Rare 4-Screw Colt Model 1851 Navy, Cut for Stock. This is a 3rd Type, consistent with the features of the revolver and its serial-number range. Serial number 164,2xx matches on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, wedge, cylinder, and cylinder pin.

Before discussing the condition, I want to be completely straightforward about several unusual characteristics of this revolver. These are details that many people might overlook or simply ignore, but I have spent hours examining and studying this gun, including under magnification.

The first thing I noticed was that the serial number on the cylinder appeared slightly smaller than the serial numbers on the bottom of the gun. I measured them and found the numbers on the bottom of the revolver to be approximately .10″ tall, while those on the cylinder are closer to .08″. The font itself looks correct to me; it is simply somewhat smaller.

There are also two serial numbers on the cylinder pin. One does not match the revolver, while the other does. Revolvers in this serial range would also normally have a serial number on the loading lever, which this example does not.

The cylinder scene is another interesting feature. It is not of the consistent quality normally seen on Colt production of the early 1860s. Portions of the scene are crisp and clear, while immediately adjacent areas show very little scene at all. Importantly, original blue remains in some of these weakly rolled areas. The hammer knurling also appears more consistent with the style I normally associate with earlier Model 1851 Navies.

Despite these inconsistencies, the finish itself looks completely correct to me. The blue on both the barrel and cylinder appears entirely consistent with period Colt finish. I do not believe the matching cylinder number was added after the revolver was finished. There are no halos, polished areas, or flat spots surrounding the numbers, and original blue remains even in the narrow space between the “2” and “0” of the cylinder number. The case colors on the frame and loading lever also appear correct. The grips are excellent, with excellent wood-to-metal fit.

I have spent considerable time trying to determine how all of these characteristics could exist together. I believe there are several reasonable possibilities.

This revolver was manufactured at the very end of 1863, only about six weeks before the devastating Colt factory fire of February 4, 1864. I believe there is a reasonable possibility that this revolver, or components associated with it, were affected by the fire.

One possibility is that the revolver was sold before the fire, damaged at some later point, and then returned to Colt for refurbishment in the late 19th century. Colt could have used remaining parts from inventory to rebuild it. If that work occurred near or after the end of Model 1851 Navy production, the use of available replacement parts could explain some of the inconsistencies.

A second possibility is that the revolver itself was damaged in the 1864 factory fire. Colt would have had little reason to discard usable components simply because other portions of a gun had been damaged. Salvageable revolvers and parts could have been set aside and later refurbished using whatever serviceable components remained available.

A third possibility is that fire-damaged or leftover Colt components were later sold to Bannerman or another dealer and subsequently assembled and refinished during the 19th century. At this point, distinguishing with certainty between a Colt-applied finish from the 1860s and quality period work performed somewhat later in the 19th century would be extremely difficult.

These possibilities are theories rather than documented facts, and I do not want to represent them as anything more than that. I am attempting to contact Colt to determine whether the revolver will letter, but have not yet been able to obtain that information.

What I am confident about is the revolver itself. This is a genuine 4-screw Colt Model 1851 Navy cut for shoulder stock. The finish and aging appear completely consistent with the period, and nothing about the revolver suggests modern restoration or alteration. In my opinion, there is simply no possibility that this gun was assembled, refinished, or substantially redone within the last 60–70 years. Had it been, I believe the evidence would be readily apparent.

Condition: The thin-profile grips retain approximately 90% original varnish with excellent wood-to-metal fit. The cylinder retains approximately 80% of its naval scene. Strong flashes of original case color remain on the frame, with considerable case color remaining on both the loading lever and hammer. The barrel retains approximately 50% deep original blue, mixing with a pleasing brown patina. The cylinder retains approximately 15% deep blue, with the balance turned brown.

The bore is excellent—bright and shiny with crisp rifling, with what appears to be some original blue remaining internally. Mechanics are crisp and tight with the proper three clicks, a functional half-cock position, and tight lockup at full cock.

Flayderman’s Guide lists a fine-condition example at $11,000. This is the finest 4-screw, cut-for-stock Model 1851 Navy we have ever handled.

Assigning a value to a revolver like this is difficult because of the unanswered questions surrounding some of its characteristics. Nonetheless, it is a genuine, extremely desirable, and difficult-to-find Colt variation in unusually fine condition.

Estimated Retail Value: $6,000