Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #3106
Lot #3105
Lot #3107

Lot 3106: Very Scarce Colt U.S. Navy Contract Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Lot 3106: Very Scarce Colt U.S. Navy Contract Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Estimated Price: $7,500 - $11,000

Very Scarce Colt U.S. Navy Contract Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36 percussion
Barrel: 7-1/2 inch
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2092
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 71
Class: Antique
Description:

This is a desirable example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver that was manufactured in 1859 on contract for the U.S. Navy. The revolver has the distinctive Fourth Model large rounded trigger guard, recoil shield with no capping channel and blued iron trigger guard and back strap. The revolver has a blue barrel and cylinder with casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the top flat is marked: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." A small "G" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction of the frame and grip and a "B" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The top of the cylinder is roll-stamped with "COLT"S PATENT NO." followed by the serial number "90744". The full serial number is stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "0744", is stamped on the top of the loading lever. All of the serial numbers match. The revolver has no visible Ordnance or Navy inspection or property marks other than "U.S." on the left side of the frame. This revolver is one of the final group of 600 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers delivered to the Navy by Colt in September 1859. Approximately 2640 Colt Model 1851 revolvers were purchased by the U.S.N. between June 1856 and September 1859.

Rating Definition:

Fine. The revolver barrel and cylinder have a smooth, blue-brown, patina with 30% of the original blue finish visible in protected areas. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 40% of the original casehardened finish with strong case colors. The trigger guard and back strap have been lightly cleaned and are satin gray with some of the original blue finish visible in protected areas. The cylinder has nearly 90% of the roll-engraved naval scene with several small areas of pitting on the forward portion of the cylinder. The rear face of the cylinder and percussion nipples have light-moderate flash pitting. All of the cylinder safety pins remain intact. Markings are sharp. The grips are fine with light handling marks. The action is crisp and functions perfectly.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #50: Engraved Colt 1851 Navy Model Percussion Revolver

    Lot #55: Civil War Era Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

    Lot #999: U.S. Colt Model 1901 New Army Revolver with Holster

    Lot #913: Two American Spur Trigger Revolvers

    Lot #906: U.S. Army Colt Model 1894 Double Action Revolver

    Lot #484: U.S. Civil War Era Savage Navy Model Percussion Revolver