RARE SECOND MODEL SQUAREBACK COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

RARE SECOND MODEL SQUAREBACK COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER. SN 856. Cal. 36. This is a fine example of a 3-digit serial number Colt Navy which theoretically should fall in 1st Model range with wedge screw below the wedge. However, this is undoubtedly a genuine 2nd Model which is all matching (wedge has no number) with the wedge screw over the wedge slot and has not been altered in any way. There are several other guns in this serial range that are identical configurations. This Navy has standard configuration with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Left side frame marked “COLT’S PATENT” and the squareback silver plated trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with SN in the backstrap channel. In the book ’51 Colt Navies, by Nathan Swayze, he refers to these Second Model Navys, which are numbered in the First Model series, as “drop back” models. Regardless, combined the 1st and 2nd Model Navys only numbered about 4,000 revolvers at the beginning of production in 1851. The ’51 Navy was an immediate success with the Union government purchasing several thousand which saw service throughout the entirety of the Civil War and later on the American frontier. Prior to the Civil War these venerable revolvers were present in the gold camps out west and the Canadian northwest territories, on cattle drives and were involved in about any other facet of daily life, usually with only nominal maintenance. PROVENANCE: Ex-Hugh Hayes Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Bbl retains about 10% orig bright finish and much of balance turning plum. Other areas are gray/brown with scattered staining and pitting. Frame and hammer retain small areas of muted case color with balance being dark silver/gray. Cylinder retains traces of original finish and retains almost all of the original signed “Ormsby” Naval battle scene. Trigger guard and backstrap are smooth with yellow patina with tiny traces of original silver plate. Grip is fine overall and shows little wear with scattered small scratches, nicks and dings and retains about 95%+ orig varnish. Mechanics are fine and strong. Barrel retains crisp shiny bore. All screws appear original with traces of original finish. 4-46752 JS154 (15,000-20,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1514B	$21,275.00	RARE SECOND MODEL SQUAREBACK COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER. SN 856. Cal. 36. This is a fine example of a 3-digit serial number Colt Navy which theoretically should fall in 1st Model range with wedge screw below the wedge. However, this is undoubtedly a genuine 2nd Model which is all matching (wedge has no number) with the wedge screw over the wedge slot and has not been altered in any way. There are several other guns in this serial range that are identical configurations. This Navy has standard configuration with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Left side frame marked “COLT’S PATENT” and the squareback silver plated trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with SN in the backstrap channel. In the book ’51 Colt Navies, by Nathan Swayze, he refers to these Second Model Navys, which are numbered in the First Model series, as “drop back” models. Regardless, combined the 1st and 2nd Model Navys only numbered about 4,000 revolvers at the beginning of production in 1851. The ’51 Navy was an immediate success with the Union government purchasing several thousand which saw service throughout the entirety of the Civil War and later on the American frontier. Prior to the Civil War these venerable revolvers were present in the gold camps out west and the Canadian northwest territories, on cattle drives and were involved in about any other facet of daily life, usually with only nominal maintenance. PROVENANCE: Ex-Hugh Hayes Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Bbl retains about 10% orig bright finish and much of balance turning plum. Other areas are gray/brown with scattered staining and pitting. Frame and hammer retain small areas of muted case color with balance being dark silver/gray. Cylinder retains traces of original finish and retains almost all of the original signed “Ormsby” Naval battle scene. Trigger guard and backstrap are smooth with yellow patina with tiny traces of original silver plate. Grip is fine overall and shows little wear with scattered small scratches, nicks and dings and retains about 95%+ orig varnish. Mechanics are fine and strong. Barrel retains crisp shiny bore. All screws appear original with traces of original finish. 4-46752 JS154 (15,000-20,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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