May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Early Model 1851 Navy-Navy serial number 61091 manufactured in 1856. This rare U.S. Navy issued revolver has all the features of the early Navy issued guns. London type iron backstrap and large loop London type iron triggerguard. One-piece oil finished walnut grips with the butt stamped "G*W*R*" with letter "I" above the inspection stamp. It is believed the letter "I" represents "Inspector" while the "G*W*R*" is for Navy Commander and inspector George W. Rodgers. The five point star after each initial rather than periods is also characteristic of these early guns. The butt of the iron backstrap is marked "U*S*N*". An anchor is stamped on the top barrel flat between the barrel address and the forcing cone. Serial number 61091 is observed on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, loading lever, and the barrel wedge. Sub-inspection letter "T" present on left side bottom of barrel lug. Letter "G" stamped on left side front of trigger bow, and number "2" stamped on left side rear of trigger bow. Letter "T" is stamped on top of backstrap at base of hammer. CONDITION: Excellent plus with 90+% original thinning blue on barrel and cylinder. Very strong W.L. Ormsby roll die Naval battle scene present on cylinder. 80-90% original blue remaining on trigger guard and backstrap. Soft fading case color on frame and hammer. Traces of case color on loading lever. Nice unmolested screws. Grips are excellent with strong inspection stamps showing modest wear. Bore is excellent with light abrasion. Action is tight and crisp. Overall a remarkable high condition U.S. Navy issued 1851 Navy that would be hard to improve on. -MKS-
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion