1861 Colt Navy Backstrap & Trigger Guard

[doccarver]

Does anyone know whether the Colt 1861 Navy revolver had the backstrap and trigger guard silver-plated? I have seen reference to silver-plating however, most of the books I have looked at refer to either a steel or a brass backstrap and trigger guard.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

 

[crockett]

Working from memory, I think some of the 1851's were silver plated and the rest brass and the 1861's were steel.

 

[Thomas Hawkins]

Doc,

The Book of Colt Firearms by R.L. Wilson says there were, “Silver plated brass back straps and trigger guards. Blued back straps on shoulder-stocked pistols. Silver, Gold and Nickel plating also available.”

 

[Zonie]

I believe quite a few of the Civilian Colts going back thru the 1849 Pocket Pistol were available with Silver Plated backstraps.

I always thought that was a strange choice of plating for a Black Powder Pistol because the Sulfur in the smoke will turn it black on contact.
I suspect they used it because there are Silver compounds that will directly plate other metal without the use of additional electricity.

zonie

ps: Thomas, I merged your answer with this post.
It is easier to answer folks posts just by clicking on the "reply" button at the bottom of their comment and then typing your answer than creating a separate post. By the way, Welcome to our Forum.

 

[Thomas Hawkins]

Thanks Zonie,

I hit the wrong button.