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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #196
Lot #195
Lot #197

Lot 196: Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy with Carved Grip

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Allegorical Figures on the Barrel and Raised Relief Patriotic Eagle Motif Carved on the Antique Ivory Grip

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Lot 196: Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy with Carved Grip

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Allegorical Figures on the Barrel and Raised Relief Patriotic Eagle Motif Carved on the Antique Ivory Grip

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Estimated Price: $9,000 - $14,000
Price Realized:
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Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Allegorical Figures on the Barrel and Raised Relief Patriotic Eagle Motif Carved on the Antique Ivory Grip

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grip: carved antique ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 767
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 202
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bore is partially darkened and has oxidation/pitting and distinct rifling.
Description:

Colt dates this revolver's serial number to 1863 during the middle of the American Civil War. It features the "late percussion vine scroll" style engraving on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap along with Libertas on the left side of the barrel with a spear with a Phrygian cap and scroll, another allegorical figure likely representing the Greek agricultural goddess Demeter on the right side of the barrel holding a basket of fruit and with her left hand spreading seeds, and a scroll around the patent marking on the frame. The revolver's engraving is very similar to the Model 1860 Army engraved with Columbia on the left and a spread wing bald eagle on the right attributed by Herbert Houze to Master Engraver Georg H. Sterzing on page 103 of "Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century" where it is noted as presented to Texan Colt dealer Henry D. Norton in October of 1865. The recipient of the current revolver is unknown, but the theme of the revolver would have certainly been appropriate for a display piece for one of the large agricultural fairs or presentation to a leading figure with ties to agriculture. The grip features a raised relief carved panel with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" inscribed over a spread wing eagle perched on Columbia's shield with Union flags in the background. The revolver comes in a mahogany case with a cap tin, balls and bullets, blued Colt "36 B" marked ball/bullet mold with sprue cutter, "COLTS/PATENT" marked martial themed powder flask, and two reproduction cartridge packs

Rating Definition:

Fine with crisp engraving, 40% original blue finish, traces of original case colors, 95% plus of the replated silver remaining on the grip straps, unnumbered replacement barrel wedge, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, patches of minor pitting, and mild overall wear. The grip is also fine and has wear on the raised portions of the otherwise distinct carving, dark aged patina, age lines mainly on the butt, and minor wear. Mechanically fine. The relined case and accessories are very good with mild age and storage wear.



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