(A) SUPERB SECOND MODEL COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER

Unique Colt Model 1851 with octagon barrel and early 2nd Model thin style barrel lug. One line barrel address marked: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" with six shot cylinder showing W.L. Ormsby's roll die naval battle scene and marked "COLTS PATENT NO." No serial numbers or other Colt marking found on other parts. Revolver has typical Colt high polish blue on barrel and cylinder. Case hardened frame, loading lever, and hammer. Brass trigger guard and backstrap are silver plated. One-piece walnut grips with nice figure and extra varnish (piano) finish. Right grip has an oval cartouche with a crown and letters "AF". This marking is believed to indicate the gun was formally in the factory collection of Auguste Francotte located in Liege, Belgium. The collection was sold in 1891. A small number "4" is located on nine parts and believed to be assembly numbers. The number 2638 located on the right bottom butt of the grip is believed to be an Auguste Francotte inventory or collection number. Given the fact Colt was looking for licensee in Liege, this revolver is believed to have been manufactured by Colt and provided to Auguste Francotte as a "Pattern" or Tool Room Gun". Pictured and discussed on page 223 of the book "Colt 1851 and 1861 Navies and Conversions by Robert Jordan and Don Geri. CONDITION: Appears to have never been fired. All the original blue is visible in all six cylinder chambers. All six cylinder safety pins and nipples are nearly mint. Bore is bright as new. Most all original high polish bright blue remains on barrel with a few small areas of light pitting. Cylinder has most all original blue with near mint roll die scene and markings. Case hardened frame, loading lever, and hammer are mostly a dove grey patina with traces of bright case colors. Unmolested original screws. Grips show nearly all original high varnish finish with little wear. Overall a beautiful high condition revolver. PROVENANCE: Formally in the German collection of Heinrich Dietz and Swiss collection of Peter Blatter. -MKS- Barrel Length: 7 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .36 Percussion FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1851 Navy Serial Number: NSN