April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This is an 1851 Navy Iron Grip Strap Model 4th Model, falling in the iron grip strap range of 128000 to 130000. Consignor has found some information in the book "Colts Down Under" that places this serial number in a group of 300 revolvers shipped to the Australian police. Has a New York barrel address. "COLTS PATENT" stamped on left side of frame. Standard Navy configuration but with large, iron trigger guard. Loading shield has groove for percussion cap. Most of the second group of 4th Model Navies with iron fittings were exported to Australia. Matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder pin, cylinder, barrel, and loading lever. Wedge not marked. CONDITION: Cylinder has a 90% visible Naval battle scene. Octagon barrel has razor sharp edges and legends. Traces of original blue on barrel, which is now a dull blue-grey patina. Case colors have silvered out. Screw heads are near mint. Grips are excellent with traces of varnish and have been re-oiled. Indexes and locks up like new. Strong, near mint rifled bore. This is an extremely clean, little used, and scarce iron frame. Very sharp example.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion
Model
1851 Navy Commercial
Paperwork
Factory letter w/ no findings, Factory letter for 127387, and monograph from Whittington