Colt 1851 Navy 2nd Generation?

[Grapeshot]

I just came into the possession of an 1851 Colt Navy.  I believe that it is one of the Colt Reissue of the 1970's.  It has a square back trigger guard and a silver plated backstrap and trigger guard.  The only markings, other than the serial number are: on top of the barrel - ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK-, and on the left side of the frame toward the front and in the lower left quadrent are the words, COLTS PATENT, in two lines.  There are no patent dates.

The serial number is repeated on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and just behind the backstrap screw that connects the triggerguard and backstrap.

This revolver was given to me by an old friend that is suffering from Parkinson's disease.  From the tone of his letters, I don't think he has much longer to be with us.   Prayers for my old pard would be very welcome. 

If anyone out there has any onformation on the pedigree of this revolver, I'd appreciate any information at all, negative or positive.

[Frenchie]

Grape, except for the mention of your pard with Parkinson's (prayers are up for him), I would have said something like, "It's nearly worthless, I'll send you enough to ship it to me and I'll use it for a paperweight or something  ".

I believe you have a 2nd Gen. Navy Colt there (we need a 'green with envy' emoticon). Here's a place you can get lots of information about them, the Replica Percussion Revolver Collector's Association: http://rprca.tripod.com/

And if I may suggest it, go see your buddy if you can. Take care,

[Grapeshot]

I appreciate the reply.  Thanks for the prayers and the link.  Have a nice evening and I liked the paperweight remark.  it was the kind of response I was expecting from some of our wise cracking pardners in this game.

[St. George]

Hope this helps...



St. George's Notes XVI - 'Real' BP Colts...
« on: April 07, 2005, 10:38:02 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.



Scouts Out!

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Prayers from here, Grapeshot. Lost both my parents to Parkinson's, it's really nasty stuff and a hard way to go. Congrats on the Navy....................Buck

[gotzguns]

 your lucky. i have two of every model 2nd gen colt c&p pistol. i shot one and keep the other one mint. there the best there is as far as im concerned. i make my own combustable cartridges and shot these pistols all the time. i've probly shot at least 500 round threw th 51 navy and 1860 army. there the only c&b pistols i own. i sold all the rest when i got into 2nd gens. shot yours you"ll see im right. gotzguns

[Waya]

  Bought one when Colt's first brought em out around 1970. My first one cost me $250.00 brand new. Unfortunately, I had a breakin in the apartment i was living in, and the Colt Navy was stolen.

  Immediately went out and purchased another new one for the same price. I've shot it alot, and the only bad thing i can say about it, is the cylinder pin has worked loose twice on me. I've sent it back to Colt's twice, and each time it came back from their Custom Shop, the pin worked loose again after fireing. Other then that,,,, it's a danged well ballanced revolver, and a real great looking 2nd Gen. '51 Navy Colt.

  Bought the 2nd Gen. Colt's Walker when it first came out,,, payed about $450.00 at the time, and it's a great shooter. Took a couple of Javilina hogs with it down in South Texas,, needless to say,,, it did the trick.

  You didn't mention wether your ailing friend ( GOD Bless him ) gave you the manuels that came with the Colt Navy, so I'm including this info, just incase you might need to know;

  It takes a No.10 percussion cap on the nipples, a .378 inch dia. lead ball or conical shaped bullet, and Black Powder charge of 15 to 20 grains, but Colt's recommends a powder charge in each chamber of 18 grains.

If you decide to take it out and shoot,, have boucoups of BIG fun,, cos Brother,,, it is fun !!

.

[Grapeshot]

My friend just sent the Pistol with a flapped military holster.  He didn't have any of the lit or box.  Not that it matters to me.  Now, I have to decide wether to get another 1851 or an 1861 .36 caliber C&B to go with it.  I've seen a nice engraved 1851 on Cabella's website and the 1861 Navy.  I'm more partial to the 1861 as it resembles the 1860 Army, but that blued, engraved model 1851 with the Ivory stocks are real nice looking.

My  buddy sent the 1851 and a hand made Bowie in keeping with an old custom of dying warriors giving their prized weapons to one that they feel worthy to use them.

I was very honored and overwhelmed by this gesture.  I plan to get out there to see him as soon as I have the time saved for an extended vacation.