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COLT M1851 NAVY-NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
COLT M1851 NAVY-NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER.

Cal. 38CF. S# 61158 / 60914. Bbl. 7 3/8". A fine US Navy inspected Colt M1851 Navy-Navy revolver converted to 38CF likely in 1876. The Navy contracted with Colt to convert about 2,200 revolvers as a cost effective way to update their revolvers to the new metallic cartridge. About 1,000 of these were Colt M1851 Navies. The alteration involved removing the percussion nipples and creating a bored through cylinder chambered for 38 centerfire metallic cartridges. A breech plate or conversion ring with loading gate was installed along with a Mason spring loaded ejector rod assembly replacing the old loading lever and plunger. The pistol was refinished, the iron backstrap was polished and the grips replaced if necessary. The pistol was then remarked and returned to the Navy yard that sent it. This pistol is serial numbered "60914" on all parts and "61158" on the frame and buttstrap. It is marked on the left side "--PAT. JULY 25,1871--" and "--PAT. JULY 2,1872--". These marks are stamped over the top of the old Colt's Patent mark and a "U.S.". The bottom flat of the barrel is marked, "R. W. M. (anchor)". The butt strap is marked "61158 (6)0914" and "U S N". The cylinder has a rolled naval scene with the serial number "61799" and "(6)0914". CONDITION: the revolver is mechanically fine and has quite a tight action. It has an overall brownish gray finish and shows little wear or abuse. Grips have the usual dents and dings but no major losses. Stampings are clear and crisp. Cylinder scene is worn but remains close to 100% visible. Fine bore with strong rifling. (01-21806/BF). $3,500-5,000.