No offense taken Major. First of all, I'd like to thank y'all for your time, patience, and assistance. You guys know a ton more than I do, which is why I'm asking.
I understand how pawn shops work, been screwed by them before. But, this shop is pretty reasonable, and have always treated me pretty well. They love my holster work, and have referred a lot of people my way... and bought my leather work themselves. So, we have more than just a casual relationship.
The pistol in question was bought by one of the owner's son, sold to his Dad, and now... it's looking for a new home. That is all the history that is known. It does have a brass strap. There are no logos on it that I could see, BLACK POWDER ONLY on the barrel, and COLT NAVY. The three letters are in a fancier font, scrunched together a little. The first letter LOOKS like an E, but the bottom cross line is shorter than the top two, which could be a fancy F. The serial number 145799 is followed by three numbers 799 underneath.
As far as having money to burn... that ain't what it is at all. I don't have any money to burn, and towards the end of the week I usually have to scramble to get gas for the generator (We live off grid). I love old stuff. You just can't buy history new in a box. You look around my place, and you'll find books from as far back as the 1800's. Kitchen table from the 1930's. Dining table from the 1940's. Artifacts from the Roman Empire, Vintage furniture, Antique Wife... oops. Don't tell her I said that!
Anyways, I don't need the gun, I have guns. But, it might have some history, and that is a cool vibe in itself. If it was manufactured in the 20's, that is almost 100 years of "What has it seen? Who has it shot?" That isn't something that you'll find at Cabella's. If it was made in 1983, then yeah, it was just really abused, and not worth thinking twice about. I am only positive that it is NOT a Civil War relic, and not likely to be a daily shooter. And that is cool too, as I have plenty that are. The Liliput I mentioned? I have seen these Liliputs go as high as $500. It sits next to my bed beside my Uberti SAA, and is loaded. It will shoot, but I don't use it. Sort of a last ditch effort thing.
So, as you can see, I don't NEED to have it. But, it might be of interest, and I wouldn't mind having a Navy either. Otherwise, I agree with you, it is likely junk. The provinance will determine that.