Colt 1851 Navy 2nd Generation serial number question

[Rickd]

I just picked up a Colt navy 1851 .36 cal no box or paperwork really doesnt matter I plan on shooting it..Its in very good condition with serial number 15451 can anyone tell me what year it was made and also a ballpark value..

[St. George]

Is there a 'signature' on the backstrap?

If so - it's a 'Colt Signature Series' and won't be included in Colt's serial numbering system like the true Second Generation guns will, since it didn't come from the Colt factory.

This might help:

St. George's Notes XVI - 'Real' BP Colts...
« on: April 07, 2005, 09:38:02 AM »     

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Many C&WAS folks carry and use cap and ball revolvers as a part of their Impression - and with good reason - there were thousands available - beyond what was carried during 'the War', and brought home by returning veterans.

After the Civil War - they were available through the sales of Government surplus, and for someone headed  West - they were fairly cheap.

The big 1860 Army Colts - and the smaller 1851 Navys - and all of the rest - saw service far past the their initial Military service and well into the Cartridge Era - many eventually being converted for cartridge use, after the Rollin White patent for bored-through cylinders elapsed.
Of course - this was true of many other guns - but the Colt was more or less ubiquitous - most likely because of its military connotation and the subsequent familiarity with it.

In the early 1970's - Colt decided to reproduce much of their original product line - starting with the famed 'Squareback' Model 1851 Navy and continuing on to the big Dragoons - beautifully-made guns, all - with the rich Colt Blue, and distinctive color-case-hardening.

Much has been speculated about as to the 'actual' manufacturers of these fine revolvers - and this link will illuminate much of the history behind their recent production.

A note - this article really concerns the 'true' 2d Generation Colt Black Powder revolver.
Though the  later 'Signature Series' is touched upon - it doesn't seem to have the 'cachet' of being a 'real' Colt...

The article was written by Dennis Adler - who wrote "Metallic Cartridge Conversions" - a worthwhile book for the folks interested in the time frame immediately following the Civil War.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/cap_ball/index.html

I'm sure you'll find it of interest.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Dick]

If it is an actual 2nd generation Colt Navy and not a Signature model, then it was made in 1975. The value without box and papers and depending on condition, would be between $300 to $600. It appears in the photo that yours is good to like new condition. New in the box unturned specimens go for around $500 to $900.
Deadeye Dick
    

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[Rickd]

Thank you for the replies its not a signature series....

[Fingers McGee]

2nd Gen 1851 Navies started with SN 4201 and ran through SN 29640.  Sig Series 1851 serial numbers started around 31000 IIRC.  For all models; the Sig Series serial numbers started a little higher than where the 2nd Gens left off.  There was no duplication of SN between the 2nd Gen and Sig series guns.