[Jiblin]

Got a question regaurding the serial number. I'm almost certain it's an 1861 Colt Navy .36 Revolver. Has a rounded cylinder with a sailing ship scene on it with 'engaged 16 May 1843' on it. Also says Colt Patent No. 3148 on the cylinder with 'Pat Sept 10th, 1855' below that.

This matches all the pictures and descriptions of an 1861 Navy Revolver, so if someone could clarify that this is what I have that would be great.

But what is confusing me is the serial number. I understand there were some 38,000 of these made between 1861 and 1873. But the serial number for this revolver is 53148 on all parts of the gun.

So what does this serial number mean? As in when would it of been made and its estimated value.

[BillM]

You sure it's not a 1851 navy? Round or octagonal barrel?

53,000 would be 1856 in the 1851 navy range.

[Jiblin]

ah, i was mistaken, it is an octagonal barrel

[BillM]

Originally Posted by Jiblin

ah, i was mistaken, it is an octagonal barrel

Well that sure changes things. They made like a quarter million 1851's.
I'll give ya' a hundreds bucks for it, assuming it's in good condition
and you are willing to deliver it.

Seriously----don't do anything to it. Don't "clean it up", don't try
to take it apart, NOTHING.

Get it to a good reputable appraiser that specializes in old Colts.
See if the Colt factory can provide a "Factory Letter" on it.
Both of these will cost you some bucks, but it's money well
spent.

Depending on condition and provenance a 1851 Navy can have a value
from a few hundred to many thousand.

[MyMilitaryYears2]

Cabela's has the lowest price on them. MidwayUSA also sells them as kits. You can order them online.They are cool guns if you are into black powder and like to make clouds of smoke.

[raveneap]

Originally Posted by MyMilitaryYears2

Cabela's has the lowest price on them. MidwayUSA also sells them as kits. You can order them online.They are cool guns if you are into black powder and like to make clouds of smoke.

There's a vast difference between the reproductions that Midway & Cabela's sells and the real thing. I saw a filthy, neglected 1851 Navy with provenance at a gun show going for $4000.00 - and there are many out there going for more than that.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by MyMilitaryYears2

Cabela's has the lowest price on them. MidwayUSA also sells them as kits. You can order them online.They are cool guns if you are into black powder and like to make clouds of smoke.

I think they are discussing the original colts and not the "reproductions" commonly found at cabela's. Speaking of those, I have been thinking about picking up a cheap kit. They look like fun...

[ScottG]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

I think they are discussing the original colts and not the "reproductions" commonly found at cabela's. Speaking of those, I have been thinking about picking up a cheap kit. They look like fun...

Also as a black powder gun, no forms or registration needed?

[Hawg]

As for Cabela's they have about the best prices you'll find. However the brass framed 51 Navy in .44 is a Pietta fantasy that Colt or nobody else never made.

[Rick1967]

I have to ask...Where in the world did you get this relic? You obviously didn't buy it from a collector or you would have a rough estimate of the value. Is it a family heirloom? You must have an interesting story we would all like to hear?