Family heirloom Civil War pistol

[AirborneFO]

Hello everyone, I have the privilege of taking ownership of a Civil War pistol passed through my family. My grandfather owns it and is going to pass it down to me. We have very little information on it; all we know is it was carried by someone in our family during the war. I am asking for any info that you guys may have on where is was built, maybe if it can be tied to a specific unit, or someone else that may be of assistance.

I was so blown away with the hitory of this weapon that didn't even ask the caliber. He lives in another state so taking more pictures, if needed, may take a while. I do know that it is perfect condition and my grandfather still shoots it to this day. The powder can and caps have a date on them that are early 1900's so I realize they are not Civil War original.

Thanks for your help.

 

[MacRob46]

A very nice gun. I realize it is probably quite safe to shoot but I wouldn't. CW Colts in that condition bring a premium and shooting it will only lessen its value. There are plenty of $300 dollar replicas out there which will give you the same thrill and sensation in the shooting but without the potential loss of value. Now, I am assuming this gun has not been refinished. The serial numbers look pretty clear and the stamp on top the barrel, what I could see of it also looks pretty sharp. Exactly what does that say?

Thanks for sharing your photos.

 

[AirborneFO]

I wouldn't dare shoot it and I will "ask" my grandfather not to, respectfully. The barrel says "Colt New York U.S. America". There appears to be something else before the word "Colt" but I can't read it in the pictures and I can't remember from memory what it says. At the time I didn't know anything about these and didn't know what pictures to take or what to write down. I have only recently started educating myself with bp firearms. As far as I know the blueing is original, I do know that my grandfather hasn't done any blueing or anything like that to it.

Thanks

 

[Many Klatch]

The gun doesn't appear to have been carried very much. There seems to be very little wear on the high spots and muzzle where it would touch the leather of the holster. It is possible that it was reblued back in the 1880's.

The gun is a testament to how well your family has taken care of it.

Many Klatch

 

[jdkerstetter]

Nice gun and a great story. I suspect that it has been refinished though, but I hope not. The trace pitting around the barrel stamps is an indicator. The brass is aweful bright also and has not "mellowed".

I suggest you have it looked at by a somebody schooled in these guns. Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Zonie]

The pistol is a Colt 1861 Navy revolver in .36 caliber.

These guns were made in 1861-1873 with a total production of 38,843.
Serial numbers started with #1 with over 27000 produced before 1865 when the war ended. This places your pistol into this range.

Your barrel markings originally said
ADDRESS COL. SAM COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA

This may have been marked in two lines.

On the left side of the frame it should say
COLTS/PATENT

The cylinder originally had the typical Colt roll engraved scene depicting the sea battle between the Texas Navy and the Mexican navy.

Flayderman's Guide mentions that it isn't uncommon for these guns to lack Government inspector markings even though they were sold to the Government.
If there are letters stamped into the wood grip, it is likely they are the Government inspection marks.

To me, the gun looks to be "Good" as much of the original bluing and case hardened colors seem to be present. If it lacks the cylinder roll engraving it might be a little lower than "Good". Because of the grip damage and the marking on the brass on the grips lower frame it would not be classified as being "Fine".

My Flayderman's Guide which was printed7 years ago shows a Standard Model with U.S. markings was worth $2,750 for a "Good" pistol such as this.
In "Fine" condition it was valued at $17,500.

PS: If some areas of the brass look like they were silver plated, don't remove it.
It is silver plating which was commonly done to all of Colts revolvers and it adds to the value.

 

[Jim Blair]

Your Colt was made in1862.U.S. marked 61 Navies are a scarce item,the Ordnance Department only purchased 2,056 them.
However many of this model were purchased by individual states for issue.Many were also privately purchased.Anyone in your family in the Civil War?

 

[AirborneFO]

The story is that this gun was carried in the Civil War by a family member but nobody has any concrete information on who it was or where. I have my work cut out for me there. I saw on the Colt website where you can have an authenticity letter made for a fee, I may try that also.

 

[jdkerstetter]

So, nobody feels this gun has been refinished but me? Judging by the grip damage and finish, the bluing and the pitting I pointed out earlier, plus the wear to the holster? Just doesn't smeel right to me.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Jim Blair]

No doubt in my mind based on the wear on the grips,the bright backstrap,the appearance of the blueing.At a guess at some point in the 20th century,50s or 60s possibly.

 

[jdkerstetter]

A real shame actually, as it appears that the gun is otherwise pretty solid. Really water under the bridge now, as what's done can't be reversed.

Still a nice piece and the finish is really of no matter if a family heirloom and there is no intention on ever selling.

Still a valuable piece of history. Just too bad that it's "story" has been erased....to me anyway....others are, of course, entitled to their opinions.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[AirborneFO]

I have no intention of selling it so the finish isn't that big of a deal although original would be great. My family has really good records going back to our earliest settlers in America so I hope I can resurrect the story.

 

[Jim Blair]

The pistol still has value considering the original accoutrements that are with it,Just not what a pistol in original finish would be worth.If Colt papered it as having been purchased by one of the state purchasing agencies for arming a state regiment it would still have substantial value.Several Illinois cavalry units were issued them.I checked the serial number in the SRS books but came up dry.

 

[jdkerstetter]

I am, by no means, trying disparage your pistol. I am just pointing out what I see.

You are very fortunate to have this link with the past and I give you a lot of credit for hanging on to it and trying to trace your family history through it. Few people today have such an opportunity and I'm afraid fewer care enough to pursue it. Sadly many would trade their family history for a few dollars....just watch "Pawn Stars". :shake:

Good luck with your search and I hope you are able to determine by who, when and where it was carried.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[MacRob46]

So, nobody feels this gun has been refinished but me? Judging by the grip damage and finish, the bluing and the pitting I pointed out earlier, plus the wear to the holster? Just doesn't smeel right to me.

Enjoy, J.D.

That was my question, not a statement. It does look awfully nice not to have been refinished at some point. The gun just looks too fresh with the exception of the broken grip.

 

[Jim Blair]

Are there any markings on the holster?

 

[AirborneFO]

Not sure about markings on the holster. I didn't think to look when I was visiting.

 

[AirborneFO]

I am, by no means, trying disparage your pistol. I am just pointing out what I see.

You are very fortunate to have this link with the past and I give you a lot of credit for hanging on to it and trying to trace your family history through it. Few people today have such an opportunity and I'm afraid fewer care enough to pursue it. Sadly many would trade their family history for a few dollars....just watch "Pawn Stars". :shake:

Good luck with your search and I hope you are able to determine by who, when and where it was carried.

Enjoy, J.D.

I didn't take it in a bad way, I realize everyone is giving their assessment :grin: I have done a lot of research myself since I took the pictures and thought that this one looked really good to be an original. I am just so happy and blessed to get this opportunity.

 

[jdkerstetter]

You're pictures were very good, by the way. I wish everybody could post pictures this good when looking for information. They are very helpful when trying to answer questions.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[AirborneFO]

You're pictures were very good, by the way. I wish everybody could post pictures this good when looking for information. They are very helpful when trying to answer questions.

Enjoy, J.D.

Thank you.