Is this a real 1851 Colt, or ??
I found this gun sitting on top of my neighbors kitchen cabinet. It does'nt have "Colt" or any other name stamped into it, and it appears to be a Model 1851 or a copy of one. SN# is 01296. Two things have me puzzled, it does'nt say Colt, and it definately appears to be quite old, with a brown patina. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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I don't know but awesome find. How did you manage this one? Just sitting on top of their cabinet? 0 -
Yes, just sitting there. My neighbor is 65 years old. I asked him where he got it from, and he said his uncle gave it to him many years ago. If it's a copy, it's a very old copy. I can't believe that Colt would produce a firearm without their signature on it, but I'm no expert. 0 -
Can you detail the proofmark? on the barrel extension (near SN in second photo), also the letters on the cylinder? Look to be FN?
It has a Italian flavor to me, but what do I know.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
It is not a Colt.
Serial number stamping is wrong. Symbol stampings are wrong.
Scrappy Doo sleeps with the fishes.0 -
Very interesting find, and a good looking piece.
Sure looks old. You would think the real thing would say Colt on it somewhere.
I'm sure an expert will weigh in and give us the scoop.0 -
It's Italian! Modern made, aged.. PN= Pulvero Negro, The stamp for Black Powder (only). Could fool quite a few I imagine, 0 -
"It's Italian! Modern made, aged.. PN= Pulvero Negro"
Thanks, and... rats. Oh well!0 -
Early Italian reproduction.
View of proof crest is not very good but I will guess it is Brescia and the "PN" is pulvere nero or blackpowder.
I know I've seen the mark by the s/n but I can't recall it, and so far haven't been able to find it in my reference books, but I've got a few more to go.
Looks well made from the perspective of parts fit, but, the quality of the materials may be something else. Some of the early reproductions had poor quality materials and it was not uncommon to see many where the materials failed under heavier loads.
DO NOT fire this pistol until it has been checked out by a gunsmith.
Regardless of the shootability of the revolver it is a nice looking piece and would make a good display item.
Value? Not enough known to really give a good estimate. But to get a ballpark range $100-300 would be my "swag".
UPDATE - With the better photo I was wrong on my first guess (which is generally the case) it is Gardone.
This is not a new repro, but I agree that the brown finish is easy to apply for "instant aging" ... but the wood is a little harder to "age" and the grips, to me, show signs more commonly found with older guns.
Value ... revise that to be $100-125 now that we have zeroed in more. And I still can't find that makers mark ... someone has to recognize it.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
I agree with the opinions of it as an Italian repro. But a 1851 Colt five shooter? Maybe a copy of a '49. Value $100 or less. Not necessarily old. That ole-brown-gun finish can be put on in 48 hours.
Been there, done that!0 -
Not a COLT...Looks like an early 1950's Italian Import...
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
FOUND the PROOF MARK.....this is the mark applied to guns which are delivered to the proof house in GARDONE in completely finished condition since 1950....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0
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