COLT 3rd MODEL 1851 .36 NAVY REVOLVER SCARCE

US MARKED,1856 with ORIGINAL FLORAL CARVED SLIM JIM HOLSTER& SNAKE & EAGLE IVORY GRIPS, with UNIQUE LETTER

PRICE: $4,500

SOLD / HOLD

This is a incredibly “charismatic” Colt 1851 Navy, and was in the collection of the renowned Texas collector, Enrique (Henry) Guerra for 50 plus years. It comes with a letter written by him in 2002. This Navy is marked correctly on the frame below Colt’s Patent, US. It was the Military attempt to get modern weaponry in the hands of the Army working in hostile areas. Replacing outdated revolvers, like single shots and a very few Paterson’s. The bulk were issued to the 2nd Cavalry/Army fighting in the American Southwest and Texas Border area. Serial No. 5808X is a wonderful example of this issue. ALL factory applied markings are very clear: barrel address, frame patents, US, ALL matching Serial Numbers. The finish is a smooth, natural plum patina finish, and good metal surfaces. The brass TG and Back Strap has a magnificent mustard patina. The cylinder has mostly faded scene due to age and wear, but serial number intact.

Beyond historical significance and the 2nd Cavalry, it continued to serve " On the Border". Maybe a soldier finishing his enlistment, and "run-away" or sold to a civilian, it shows it's history. It comes with the original Floral Engraved Plug Bottom Slim Jim holster, a rarity in itself. BUT MOST of ALL, it is fitted with a pair of Ivory Snake & Eagle grips. You can tell they are early vintage, as the carved side with the Snake & Eagle stands more than 4/4 of an inch high!
Mechanically the '51 operates 100% correctly on ALL working actions. The history of the rugged Southwest all in one '51 Navy !
A careful proud owner ! Why? when the grip became slightly less secure, he placed a thin copper wire around the grip, and some 165 years later there it is ! and the grip is all there !