The Colt Navy revolver family occupies a unique place in American firearms history, prized by collectors and historians for design, provenance, and variations born from field use. This particular example offers a fascinating story for anyone focused on 19th-century martial pieces and mismatched, service-worn hardware that tells a story beyond pristine serial-matched examples.

COLT US MARTIAL 1851 NAVY

The serial number 61874 dates this piece to 1856, and the cataloged notes describe a 36 caliber cylinder with a 7 1/2″ barrel and a dark mottled patina on the metal surfaces. For buyers seeking an authentic service-worn artifact rather than a restored museum piece, this revolver is explicitly recorded as completely mismatched within the US martial ranges—likely a campfire gun that was field-stripped and reassembled without matching numbers. Shop this product to view the full listing and purchase options; clicking will take you to our shop page where the retailer offers buying details.

Specifications and Key Identifiers

Serial: 61874 — Year: 1856 — Caliber: 36 — Barrel: 7 1/2″ — Price: $2,250.99. These are the hard facts that define provenance and value. The dark mottled patina indicates long-term service and environmental exposure rather than aggressive restoration; that finish can be desirable to collectors who value original condition. The 36 caliber format was common for Navy-pattern Colts, offering a balance between manageable recoil and effective ballistics for percussion-era projectiles.

Why the 36 Caliber Matters

Historically, .36 Navy rounds delivered a practical compromise: lighter carry weight and flatter handling than larger calibers while still offering effective terminal performance at typical engagement ranges of the period. Modern collectors who shoot reproduction loads appreciate the manageable recoil and historically accurate ballistics when testing chamber dimensions and cylinder timing.

Collector Considerations and Care

Mismatched numbers reduce some categories of collector premium but increase historical interest—this piece reads as a tool with service history rather than a carefully preserved parade gun. Proper care for the mottled patina focuses on stabilization rather than polishing: light conservation, humidity control, and careful handling to preserve original surfaces and markings. For those who intend to display or occasionally test-fire with appropriate black powder substitutes, consult a qualified gunsmith familiar with percussion revolvers.

For a collector-oriented piece priced at $2,250.99, this COLT US MARTIAL 1851 NAVY offers authentic wear, documented serial data, and clear historical appeal. View product details and pricing or Check current availability to see the full listing and purchase through our shop page.

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