June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Manufactured 1863. With a mere 38,800 manufactured, compared to the over 200,000 of the 1851 and 1860, making this the scarcest of the series. It was beautifully designed, featuring the swept streamlined round barrel of the 1860 army, combined with the size of the 1851 Navy, making it the best of both worlds. The six shot cylinder features the same Naval scene as engraved on the Model 1851. This example is strong and nearly 100% complete with traces of original blue. Barrel retains approximately 30% of the original high polish blue with razor sharp legends, blending with a homogenous soft aged patina. Lever has traces of color while the frame, both right and left, retain 40-50% color, some brilliant. The factory varnished one piece walnut grips are excellent to near mint, perfectly fitted with the initials "R.E.S." hand carved into bottom of left panel. The blue on the bottom of the barrel under lever is brilliant. You will find matching numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, wedge, trigger guard and backstrap. Generous nickel plating on trigger guard. Indexes and locks up correctly and has a strong, clean near mint bore. The number "2" can be found stamped above or below serial number on frame, barrel, trigger guard and backstrap, which probably indicates this was sent as a pair. It is obvious this rare revolver saw very little use and is one of the better examples available.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion