1851 Navy Belt Colt revolver model 36 Cal. and holster

Manufactured: 1856 • Caliber: .36 • Complete with holster

Historic Colt 1851 Navy black powder revolver that lived through the American Westward Expansion and the Civil War, offered today in very good collector condition together with its Old West-style holster.

History

In the early 1850s, Samuel Colt expanded his revolver line, positioned between the compact Colt Pocket Model 1849 and the powerful Colt Dragoon, by introducing the Colt Navy Model 1851, soon recognized as one of the finest percussion revolvers of the 19th century.Chambered in .36 caliber, this model offered an excellent balance of power, accuracy, and handling. Often referred to as the "Belt Revolver," it was compact enough for everyday carry while retaining outstanding shooting qualities.

Manufactured from 1850 to 1873 in more than 215,000 examples, the Colt Navy achieved tremendous success among both civilians and military personnel. Widely used before the introduction of the Colt Army Model 1860, it remained highly valued throughout the Civil War for its reliability, accuracy, and superb balance. Easily identified by its elegant octagonal barrel, the Colt 1851 Navy remains one of the most iconic firearms in American history.

Our Example

This historic Colt 1851 Navy is accompanied by a thick leather holster perfectly fitted to the revolver. The holster bears no visible markings and appears to be a possible 19th-century period handmade example.

Presented in very attractive untouched condition, this revolver retains traces of its original blue finish, while the remaining metal surfaces display a pleasing and even light gray patina. The famous naval battle cylinder scene remains visible despite some natural fading, a highly desirable feature on this model. The frame markings are sharp and fully legible, while the barrel address indicates "Colt New York City" manufacture. The revolver bears serial number 48XXX on the major components, with the exception of the wedge and cylinder. This serial range corresponds to an early 1856 production date, a particularly desirable period among collectors. The walnut grips remain perfectly fitted to the frame and display honest age-consistent wear. Three period notches can be seen on the side of the grip, likely reflecting the revolver's long history of use.

Mechanically, this Colt performs exceptionally well. Cylinder gap is virtually nonexistent, cylinder play is minimal, and timing is precise. The action cocks smoothly, and the mainspring retains its original strength. The 7½-inch octagonal barrel, chambered in .36 caliber, shows a very good bore for a firearm of this age. The interior displays an attractive gray patina with light traces of use while retaining strong, well-defined rifling throughout, testimony to its remarkable preservation.

This 1856 Colt 1851 Navy and its holster immediately evoke the era of the American frontier and the Civil War. It represents a highly desirable collector's piece for enthusiasts of historic American firearms.

Antique firearm. Sold with its official classification certificate issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House (France).