The Model 1851 Navy is one of the most iconic of all 19th century firearms and was one of Colt's most popular percussion revolvers and helped establish Colt as a household name. They were used by both sides during the Civil War as well as around the world thanks to foreign military sales and Colt's London factory and agency. They are hard to find in exceptional condition, and double cased Colt percussion revolvers of any model are very scarce. A double cased pair in high condition is nearly impossible to find, especially a Colt London set. The Colt London factory manufactured approximately 42,000 Model 1851s in 1853-1857 while over 215,000 of this model were turned out at Colt's Hartford factory in 1850-1873. This exceptionally fine cased set (nos. 34835 and 35625) falls in the London range with a manufacture date of 1855. Each revolver carries the Colt London address on the 7 ½ inch barrel and London proofmarks on the barrel and cylinder. Pairs of Colt percussion revolvers were generally not consecutive. Both pistols feature “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, naval battle scene on the cylinder, blued iron trigger guard and back strap as commonly found on London models, and matching respective full or partial serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, loading gate, arbor pin, and wedge. They come in a mahogany case featuring bullseye brass lifting handle on the exterior of the lid and green felt lining. The case contains the following accessories: rare “COLTS NAVY FLASK” marked James Dixon & Sons bag shaped powder flask, James Dixon & Son oiler, two large W.&C. Eley cap tins, two “COLT’S/PATENT” marked conical and ball bullet molds with sprue cutters, two “L” shaped combination tools, and cleaning rod. One of the bullet molds has the additional "MM" and "wat" U.S. ordnance inspector markings.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and cylinder retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish. The trigger guard and back strap retain 70% bright blue with the balance mostly a smooth gray patina. Nearly all of the crisp cylinder scene remains. The hammer, frame, and loading lever retain 95% plus vivid original case colors. The grip is very fine with dents along the bottom edge on the left, otherwise scattered handing marks and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a number of handling/storage marks on the exterior and some wear to the lining. The replacement U.S. inspected bullet mold retains 30% original blue finish. The correct civilian bullet mold retains 80% original blue finish. The powder flask is excellent, retaining 95% plus original lacquer.

As described in "A". Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 85% bright original high polish blue finish with flaking turned brown on the balance. The grip straps retain 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown-gray on the balance. Nearly all of the crisp cylinder scene remains. The hammer, frame, and loading lever retain 95% vivid original case colors. The grip is excellent with some minor handling marks and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally fine cased pair of Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolvers that is worthy of the finest collections.