A friend of mine I call "Magpie" (he buys any bright, shiny gun he finds) recently acquired for me an original 1851 Colt London Navy. While the gun has clearly been refinished at some point (no case hardened finish evident, all blue), it is clearly an original London Navy in pristine condition. All serial numbers match (even the barrel wedge) and it is in the middle of the serial number range for the London Navies. It has all the proper proof marks. The barrel is slightly pitted, but in overall excellent condition. The action is tight and has obviously been tuned by someone that shot it quite a lot. Also evident is the front sight being filed to regulate point of impact. In all, an outstanding specimen for a very modest acquisition price. I'd love to know how it found it's way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana over the last 167 years.
I've just received a new set of Treso nipples that should fit the gun and am anxious to replace the originals (badly mushroomed) and run a few rounds through the old girl. My "magpie" buddy is also an outstanding carpenter and built the display box in the photo for me, as well as having the plaque printed.