December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Circa 1866. Lustrous polished blue 7 - 1/2" octagon barrel with 1-line New York address, dovetail blade front sight, and hammer notch rear. 6-shot .36 caliber percussion cylinder rolled with naval engagement scene. Case hardened frame, hammer, and loading lever. 1-piece smooth ivory grips set in silver plated brass straps, the rear strap period inscribed in script "A. C. Bassett". Matching numbers observed on frame, grip straps, cylinder arbor, cylinder, barrel, and wedge. PROVENANCE: From the personal and advanced collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Excellent for its age. Barrel retains the vast majority of its bright factory blue with some high-edge wear and a few spots of loss. Cylinder faded to patina, the scene largely legible with some dings. Screws retain strong traces of nitre blue; a few appear replaced on the barrel assembly. Case colors remain bright, with some fading present, especially on the recoil shield and hammer. Grip straps retain a few faint traces of plating but are largely mellowing brass. Grips exhibit a very pleasing, warm honey patina. Very strong, bright bore. Crisp and tight mechanics. An outstanding, highly attractive 1851 Navy.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion