Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver Shipped to the State of Connecticut in Late 1861

Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver Shipped to the State of Connecticut in Late 1861 – These revolvers were manufactured from 1861 through 1873, with a total production of 38,843 revolvers made. As enumerated on the side of the trigger guard, these pistols were .36 caliber guns, with a six-shot cylinder, 7.5” round barrel with a creeping style loading lever. The varnished walnut grips were one-piece in construction; the frame, hammer and loading lever were casehardened with the rest of revolver blued; the gripstraps were brass. The engraved, unrebated cylinder depicts the scene of a battle between the U.S. and Mexican navies. The barrel marking on this standard example is as follows:

“ADDRESS COL. SAM^L COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA”

Stamped on the left side of the frame is:

“COLTS PATENT”

Stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard strap is:

“36 CAL”

This example of the Colt M1861 Navy was manufactured in late 1861 as indicated by its low serial number 3443; all numbers on this pistol match, including the numbers on both the wedge and cylinder. The pistol retains a pleasing, plum gray finish and substantial cylinder scene. The firing mechanics and indexing are excellent and tight; the walnut grips are in very good condition, retaining much of the original varnish; the brass trigger guard and gripstrap exhibit a nice, yellow, aged patina. The bore is clean and exhibits considerable rifling. The  pistol is accompanied by a letter from Colt indicating that the pistol was one of 425 shipped to the state of Connecticut on December 17, 1861.