copyright William Marion 2008
Black Powder Revolver
The Online Magazine and Resource for Black Powder Revolvers
April 2006 Edition
This magazine is generally devoted to replica Black Powder revolvers, but recently the author had the opportunity to photograph and handle 4 authentic revolvers. While in one of the indoor ranges I frequent, I noticed some revolvers in a corner display case. I was surprised to find an 1851 Colt Navy, an 1858 Remington, an 1849 Colt Pocket and a Colt Dragoon. There were a number of other interesting firearms, but these grabbed my attention. I discovered that this particular case held the private collection of the owner. I have been in museums that didn’t have as nice a collection. After talking with the owner, he allowed me to photograph each of these incredible firearms and record the serial numbers. All four were in excellent condition, so good in fact I was suspicious of their authenticity. After a bit of detective work, I was able to find a little history on each revolver.
The first revolver I viewed was the 1851 Colt Navy. This is perhaps my favorite replica revolver to shoot, so handing an original was a treat. The brass was in good condition, the grip was intact except for a small chip and overall the barrel was in good condition with only a few small pits. The brass was in better condition than
The first revolver I viewed was the 1851 Colt Navy. This is perhaps my favorite replica revolver to shoot, so handing an original was a treat. The brass was in good condition, the grip was intact except for a small chip and overall the barrel was in good condition with only a few small pits. The brass was in better condition than
my 25 year old replica (Hey I do clean it!) The photograph doesn’t do this gun justice. To satisfy my always suspicious nature, I looked for the tell tale signs of a fake. While not an expert in collecting actual period revolvers, there are a few things to look for. Thankfully, Colt had the habit of stamping serial numbers on all the major parts of its revolvers. On the 1851 Navy the easiest place to look is on the trigger guard, frame and bottom of the barrel. Turning the gun over and looking for 3 matching numbers is the first step. In this case all three numbers matched, being “104396”. In total 215,348 Model 1851’s were produced. A quick check online revealed that this revolver was made near the end of 1861, possibly indicating use in the Civil War.
Next I looked more closely at the 3 serial numbers. Each was of the same font and size and had what appeared to be a deeper impression on the left side than the right side. In other words, the numbers “104” on each serial number appear to be deeper in the metal than the numbers “396”. What does all this mean? Most likely, all three parts are original and were stamped by the same person at the same time.
Next I looked more closely at the 3 serial numbers. Each was of the same font and size and had what appeared to be a deeper impression on the left side than the right side. In other words, the numbers “104” on each serial number appear to be deeper in the metal than the numbers “396”. What does all this mean? Most likely, all three parts are original and were stamped by the same person at the same time.
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The Real Thing
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1851 Colt Navy
Photo National Parks Service
Photo National Parks Service
Note the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame and trigger guard. Also notice the slightly deeper impression on the left side of the stamp
Photo courtesy Target Masters
Photo courtesy Target Masters
The picture doesn’t do justice to this 1851 Colt Navy
Photo courtesy Target Masters
Photo courtesy Target Masters