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EXTREMELY FINE MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER WITH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY FINE MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER WITH

EXTREMELY RARE MATCHING 1ST MODEL CANTEEN STOCK. Cal. 36. S# 62638. There are only 5 or 6 examples known of Colt factory 1st model cut for stock navies, all made 1855-1856. This coordinates w/ 1st model shoulder stocks for Dragoon revolvers also made 1855-1856. The design for the stock closely follows that of the US Model 1855 pistol carbine w/ 2 prongs extending from the stock yoke to engage 2 slots in pistol’s backstrap & then secured by tightening knurled knob on bottom of yoke. The most common version, which was standard after 1857, required 4 screw frame, slotted butt strap & yoke extension on stock to fit into slot. This earliest 1st model design w/ out yoke & 3 screw frame is more complex to manufacture requiring steel grip frame. Like the other 2 known 1st models, trigger guard is fitted w/ sling swivel as is stock. The special order revolver has Colt factory German silver front sight fitted in dovetailed slot & deluxe burled walnut grips. Revolver has matching serial number 62638 on every part normally numbered w/ exception of loading arm 2639 & cylinder numbered 62689. Unique canteen stock has silver plated yoke w/ matching serial number 62638, silver plated brass buttplate has serial number, probable factory error 62628. Two small sling swivels are fitted in stock, one on yoke & one on oval escutcheon. This is the only example of the 1st model Colt Navy shoulder stock w/ pistol we are aware ever offered in auction. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 6 page R. L. Wilson letter detailing rarity & its discovery in Scandinavia about 1995. CONDITION: extremely fine overall. Revolver retains about 95% bright factory blue on bbl., about 40% blue on cyl., muted case colors on frame, hammer & loading lever. There is rust & pitting on two of the sling swivels on pistol & stock where, according to the accompanying letter, stated original leather sling had been attached for decades causing the corrosion. There is also corrosion on slightly flat trigger bow & other areas on grip frame & one streak on cylinder which does not affect overall aesthetic of this great rarity. Burled grips retain most all of their factory varnish w/ light edge wear but varnish worn through in 2 crescents where yoke attached. Mechanically fine w/ crisp bright rifled bore. Stock retains most of its original silver plate on yoke, buttplate, & rear sling swivel escutcheon. Stock retains 95% original factory varnish w/ scattered small dings & dents & 3" long gouge on right side. Canteen screw in plug & attached chain are intact & functional. (01-19959/JS). ANTIQUE. $20,000-25,000.