COLT 1851 NAVY - ARMY - 1856

Martial Colt 1851 Navy.  SOLD

The Colt 1851 Navy was produced from 1851 until 1872 and was a very popular handgun.  The 1851 came out in time to be used in the California Gold Fields. Both Samuel Clements and Wild Bill Hickok carried them.   It also was purchased by the US army for frontier Calvary regiments in the 1850s. In 1855 the US Army placed orders for 1851 navy revolvers.  over the next three years 16778 revolvers were purchased for the Army.  The 1st and 2nd Cavalry were equipped with them.  Some were also issued to states under the Militia act.   They were also made in London.  

This nice example was made in 1856. The metal is a grey patina with some traces of finish. The top of loading lever has visible case colors. There are some small patches of scattered light pitting.  The marks are all clear and readable.  The frame is marked Colt's Patent with the US underneath showing government purchase.  There are single letter inspector's marks in several places on the revolver.     The action is nice and all the serial numbers match except for the wedge.  The wedge is numbered, it is not matching.    The cylinder scene is showing about 60-70 percent visible.  The grips are solid and show a strong cartouche on each side.  The right grip is marked RHKW for Robert HK Whitely and the left grip is marked LCA for Lucius C Allen.  

SOLD