1851 Navy, brass vs. steel, etc.

[Wes/Tex]

I once read that the frames were the same "bronze" as used in cannon barrels. If so, it would have been 90% copper & 10% tin. Also one of the reasons the bronze church bells were removed and melted in the name of patriotism, especially in areas with gun factories throughout the south. Not 100% about this mix, copied it down from a source years ago. Zonie's much more knowledgeable than I ever hope to be along these lines, perhaps he(or others) will jump in and correct this if wrong! :thumbsup:

 

[jaxenro]

I don't think Colt ever thought about a 44 caliber belt model ( which the navy size frame is best described as) with an octagon barrel and old style loading lever. The creeping loading lever was considered an improvement which is why he made a 36 caliber belt model with the new style loading lever (the 1861 Navy)

The only reason for the 36 caliber pocket model with the old style loading lever and octagon barrel was due to the fire in 1862 Colt couldn't keep up with demand for the 1862 Police do they modified some 1849 Pocket tooling

Colt had three frame sizes:

Pocket (1848, 1849, and 1862 Pockets)

Belt (1851 and 1861 Navy and 1860 Army)

Holster ( as in horse holster the Walker and Dragoons)

Around 1860 he found he could rebate the first two frames to fit the next larger caliber in it

Pity he never rebated the Holster size frame and made a .500

 

[Wes/Tex]

Pity he never rebated the Holster size frame and made a .500

No kidding! Adams was making his double-action(self cocking) "Dragoon" size in 38 bore(.500") as early as 1851...and considering the big fuss between Adams & Colt about who did what first, I'm kind of disappointed Sam didn't jump in the .50 caliber game!

 

[cynthialee]

I think a .40 caliber on a 'belt gun' frame would be spiffy as can be.