4022A

RARE COLT 3RD MODEL 1851 PROTOTYPE NAVY REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
RARE COLT 3RD MODEL 1851 PROTOTYPE NAVY REVOLVER.

Cal. 36. S# 38958. Bbl. 7 1/2". This gun appears original & authentic as mfg. in 1854 based on S#. Revolver has unique loading assembly & wedge not noted on any other Colt products. Experimental loading arm has plunger type pinned catch & a 90 degree pivot of arm. There is a sm. “58” stamped on arm, matching last 2 digits of S#. Wedge is a nicely beveled “L” shape w/ longer screw attaching to usual position of wedge screw. Revolver has 2 sm. “X” stamped on left side of trigger guard & trigger bow, denoting experimental. Nathan Swayze in his text on this model states experimentation was being performed in this serial range, including beveling. This is a most interesting gun in nice condition & we are unaware of no other example. CONDITION: very good to fine overall. Appears to have possibly been finished in the white, sharp edges & markings. Cyl. retains strong, rolled scene w/ area of pinprick pitting, all 6 usable safety pins. Grips retain about 90% of their original factory varnish w/ edge wear & cosmetic scuffs & scratches. Trigger guard retains 90% original silver & backstrap about 30% silver. Mechanically crisp w/ shiny bore. (01-19861/JS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-5,000.