September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Per Colt Engraving by Wilson, the so-called "apostrophe" mark, used circa 1854-1861, indicates both engraving and ivory grips, both are present on this gun. Standard configuration of an 1851 Navy with 7 - 1/2" barrel with cone front sight, Colt's New York City rollmark with dashes, and silver plated brass straps. Matching whole or partial numbers observed on barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, wedge, and rammer. Engraved in Young's iconic scroll with punch dot shading, a dog on the left of the barrel lug, wolf's head on either side of the hammer, and shell motifs on the backstrap and right side of barrel assembly. Cylinder scene is strong and clear with one area of dings. 1 piece ivory grips are superbly fit and most likely factory, with a wooden spacer and excellent grain. Even the screws (replaced rammer screw excepted) and muzzle are dressed with light engraving en suite. Housed in a period case with wine-colored lining and fitted for accessories including a tin of Eley Bros caps, a glass oil bottle, a Colt's patent 2 cavity mold, and an embossed powder flask. CONDITION: Barrel assembly with significant amounts, approximately 70%, of thinning blue with areas of dove grey metal peeking through. Rammer is essentially gunmetal grey throughout with some minor staining and faint traces of case colors in the most well-protected areas. Frame has heavily faded case colors, moreso than rammer, with better color in recesses. Straps and trigger guard retain about half of the silver plate, most losses to front and backstraps. Grips have excellent color and grain, with one very minor chip to heel of right scale. Case is very good with some age-related distress to lining. Accessories are very good with some age-related marks; spring has lost its fire bluing and is now largely matte. An excellent example with wonderful engraving.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion