June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Considered one of Sam Colt's most graceful and beautiful revolvers ever made, made famous by Wild Bill Hickok. By serial number, this is referred to as a late Fourth Model with the large brass rounded trigger guard and brass backstrap. Matching numbers can be found on barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder and wedge. The octagon barrel has a single bead brass front sight, with New York barrel address. Features 75-80% of its original factory mirror royal blue finish. Strong case colors on loading lever. The majority of the screws still retain their Nitre blue finish. Frame retains 85% original case colors, some brilliant. The engraved Naval battle scene on cylinder is 100% crisp with traces of blue near nipples. The balance appears to have simply flaked, even the forcing cone retains all of its original blue. Safety pins and original nipples are all present. Traces of original plating on backstrap. Excellent original varnished walnut one piece grips, retaining a majority of the original varnish. The initials "EB" have been etched into brass butt. Factory inspector mark "B" stamp. Production of the Fourth Model Navy began in 1858. Beautiful 51 Navy that saw very little use and was well-kept all these years, it would be extremely difficult to find a nicer example.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion