This Canadian Militia London Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver was manufactured in 1856. This is one of approximately 800 London Model 1851 Navy Revolvers purchased to arm the Canadian militia in 1856. These pistols were the first handguns officially purchased by the Canadian government. The left grip is stamped with the rack number and unit marking: "UC/F/42" reading from the butt down. The markings indicate that this revolver was on of 50 pistols issued to the Cornwall Troop (F) of the Upper Canada (Ottawa) Canadian militia cavalry on January 5, 1857. This revolver is listed by serial number on page 110 of "CANADIAN MILITARY HANDGUNS" by Clive M. Law. The revolver has the distinctive steel backstrap, large oval steel trigger guard with round head screw and hammer with bordered, checkered spur found on Second Model London Navy revolvers. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have a military blue finish. The loading lever, hammer and frame have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grips are varnished. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON-" on a single line with arrows at either end. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No.". The left side of the frame is stamped "COLT'S/PATENT" in two lines. London "Crown/V" and Crown/CP" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and above each cylinder chamber. An inspection mark is stamped in the middle of the right grip near the grip strap. The full serial number, "33387" is visible on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The cylinder is numbered "34807". "CANADIAN MILITARY HANDGUNS" lists Model 1851 Navy serial no. "34807" as revolver 27 issued to the Troop F of the Upper Canada militia cavalry; the cylinder was probably switched with that from revolver "33387" during maintenance.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% plus of the arsenal refurbished blue and casehardened finish. Most of the finish on the right side of the barrel and one cylinder chamber has taken on a rust spotted brown patina, with mild dings around the wedge. There is some scattered light pitting present on the right side of barrel. The blue finish on the inside and bottom of the trigger guard and backstrap is thin. The loading lever, frame and hammer retains about 90% of the casehardened finish with strong case colors. The grip is in excellent condition with some light dings. This is a very fine example of a well documented Canadian Militia marked Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver.