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ENGRAVED 1851 COLT NAVY

Spider7115
I have an engraved Model 1851 Colt Navy revolver, Serial #561XX. The grips are old ivory and carved with an eagle and "E Pluribus Unum". It has a perfect action and all of the numbers match except for the wedge which is also engraved. Colt records for the 1851 Navy only go back as far as Serial #98,000 so I can't get a factory letter. Is there any way I can find out if this is factory engraving or who may have done it? Any ideas about value? It reminds me one of the Navies carried by Wild Bill Hickok. I'm have a picture posted at http://home.att.net/~tnt7115/51ColtIvory-1.jpg

Thanks!
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • capecod
    Sorry I can't give you the information you asked for but I just want to tell you that your revolver is absolutely beautiful - never saw one like it
    John

    The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of past wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.
    -George Washington
    DAV Veterans Voice
    DAV Chapter #10
    July/August Bulletin
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  • capecod
    Sorry I can't give you the information you asked for but I just want to tell you that your revolver is absolutely beautiful - never saw one like it
    John

    The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of past wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.
    -George Washington
    DAV Veterans Voice
    DAV Chapter #10
    July/August Bulletin
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  • Rembrandt
    A stock one in excellent condition could bring $20,000+. Lots of "IFs to consider...should be .36 caliber, many of these were converted to cartridge centerfires after the war, yours appears to be original percussion...if it's a civilian model or a military model could be in the $35,000-$50,000 range....what you have could be worth considerably more if it proven to be done by Colt.

    I'd suggest to contact the following who deal in high end collectibles for an appraisal...

    http://www.cherrys.com./
    http://www.hallowellco.com/index.html

    http://www.butterfields.com/areas/arms_main.html

    Butterfields offers the following for appraisals, either in person of via email....

    http://www.butterfields.com/services/appraisals/appraisals.html

    Auction Appraisal Events | Fair Market Value Appraisals
    Insurance Appraisals | Photo Appraisals

    We encourage you to call and make an appointment to meet with and receive a convenient appraisal from one of our specialists. Alternately, we are open in both Los Angeles and San Francisco from 8:30 am to 5 pm to meet your consignment needs. Although our specialists may not be available to see you, someone will be able to provide assistance.

    Auction Appraisal Events
    An auction appraisal is equivalent to a fair market value appraisal: it states the value of an object in the current auction market.

    Bonhams & Butterfields specialists give free verbal evaluations of your property at the auction appraisal events held in our galleries, and at clinics throughout the West Coast. Please consult our events calendar to see when Bonhams & Butterfields will be in your neighborhood.

    If you are planning on attending one of our auction appraisal events, we ask that you please not bring more than five (5) items with you. Time is limited at these fast-paced events and we strive to evaluate each participants treasures.


    Fair Market Value Appraisals
    A fair market value appraisal states what the value of an object would be in the current auction market. Fair market value appraisals are often required for tax or legal purposes. Bonhams & Butterfields Specialists are available to evaluate entire collections in your home or office, or by appointment in one of our galleries. Unless the appraisal is done for consignment purposes, appraisal fees will apply. These fees are as follows:

    In Office Appointments

    For 1-5 items, a flat fee of $200 is payable at the time of the appraisal. For 6 items or more, there is a $300 minimum fee, or $200 per hour per Specialist, whichever is higher. A deposit is payable at the time of the appraisal.
    Appointments Outside of Bonhams & Butterfields' Office


    There is a $500 minimum fee, or $200 per hour, per Specialist, whichever is higher. In addition to the appraisal fee, travel time will be charged at a rate of $50 per hour after the first hour of travel from our offices.
    To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Office, please contact Anne Buell at Anne.Buell@bonhams.com or call (800) 223-2854 ext. 3218. For Los Angeles appointments, please contact Client Services at Info.US@bonhams.com or call us at (800) 223-2854 ext. 3550.


    Insurance Appraisals


    An insurance appraisal states what the cost would be to replace an object in the current market. These replacement-value appraisals are often needed for legal or insurance purposes. Bonhams & Butterfields Specialists are available to evaluate entire collections in your home or office, or by appointment in one of our galleries. Unless the appraisal is done for consignment purposes, appraisal fees will apply. These fees are as follows:

    In Office Appointments

    For 1-5 items, a flat fee of $300 is payable at the time of the appraisal. For 6 items or more, there is a $500 minimum charge or $200 per hour per Specialist, whichever is higher. A deposit is payable at the time of the appraisal.
    Appointments Outside of Bonhams & Butterfields' Office

    There is a $500 minimum fee, or $200 per hour, per Specialist, whichever is higher. A deposit of $500 is required.
    To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Office, please contact Anne Buell at Anne.Buell@bonhams.com or call (800) 223-2854 ext. 3218. For Los Angeles appointments, please contact Client Services at Info.US@bonhams.com or call us at (800) 223-2854 ext. 3550.

    Photo Appraisals
    If you are curious about the value of an object, and you cannot attend one of our auction appraisal events or clinics, you may send us a photograph along with a detailed description. We will send you our opinion of the object's value by mail or email within three to four weeks.

    To send us a Photograph by Mail:


    Print out this form and fill it out
    Mail it with your photographs to:
    Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers
    Attn: Photo Appraisals
    220 San Bruno Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94103

    To Submit Your Request via email:
    Fill out this form and submit.

    Since we will not have physically inspected your object we can only offer an estimate of its value. If you need an appraisal for legal purposes, please contact our Client Service department to schedule an appointment to meet with someone from Bonhams & Butterfields.
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  • Spider7115
    I posed a closeup picture of the grips. They are one-piece ivory, carved with an eagle and anchor, suggesting they belonged to a seaman. The reverse side is plain. I have no idea as to how to research this pistol but I would think it belonged to a high-ranking officer. There picture is here:

    http://home.att.net/~tnt7115/51ColtIvory-1.jpg

    Thank you again.
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  • Spider7115
    I posted the wrong link for the closeup picture of the grips. The correct link is:

    http://home.att.net/~tnt7115/51ColtIvory-5.jpg

    I apologize for the error. By the way, it struck me that the eagle over the anchor could also indicate ownership by a US Marine. Thoughts?
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  • Rembrandt
    Military models were marked "U.S." on the frame, inspectors cartouche on the grip. 650 were marked "U.S.N." on the butt.....if it has this, one in excellent condition could be in the $50,000 range or more.
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  • Spider7115
    There are no "US" markings, only "Colt's Patent" on the frame and the one-line New York address on the frame. The backstrap, butt, hammer and underside are also fully engraved. I've been told it's a 3rd Model manufactured in 1856. I posted a closeup of the frame here:

    http://home.att.net/~tnt7115/51ColtIvoryFrame1.jpg

    Please let me know if you would like any other pictures. Thanks again.
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  • Rembrandt
    The basic 1851 Navy features a roll engraved cylinder scene of a battle between the navies of Texas and Mexico...either someone engraved over the top of the factory scene or it was done by Colt. Sounds like you have a civilian model. I'd check with Butterfields or someone who specializes in old Colts.
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  • Spider7115
    Rembrandt: I have taken your advice and submitted pictures to Butterfields. Thank you for the info and excellent suggestion!
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  • Rembrandt
    ....let us know what you find out, would enjoy hearing more about this. Good Luck...

    Rembrandt
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  • Xracer
    Many of the Colt factory records were destroyed in the fire on February 4, 1864, so it's no surprise that Colt has no records of your gun.

    A Colt of this potential value really needs a hands-on evaluation by a recognized Colt expert to determine it's originality and value.

    I'd check to see if one of the sources that Rembrandt mentioned could recommend a Colt expert near where you live to evaluate the pistol. It would cost you a few $$$$$...but the potential return is well into the 5 figure range.
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  • Spider7115
    I live in Virginia Beach, VA (host to Hurricane Isabel) and there are no Colt experts around here that I know of. I don't actually have possession yet (it was shipped to me from Texas on Friday) but once I have it, I can send any pictures necessary. I have quite a few now that I haven't posted so if anyone wants more, please e-mail me at tnt7115@att.net

    Thanks again to all of you.
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