Seating Lead In 1851 Navy

[KingOfKindling]

I suspect what you have is a second-generation Colt, similar to this one:

https://www.riverjunction.com/3662

The above gun is said to be made in the 1970s, and based on these serial numbers, that would seem correct, as it would for yours:

http://proofhouse.com/colt/1851navy.htm

Yeah, I think you're dead on the money here. Same finish color on bluing and case, same stamping, same serial # range, and the same trigger guard.

This is a second generation gun not an original. Which makes a lot more sense.

 

[Trev]

if it was an original it should not be shot.

Why?
I think that if I owned it I'd shoot it, it was designed and made to be shot. I might not shoot full chambers with it though.

 

[KingOfKindling]

Why?
I think that if I owned it I'd shoot it, it was designed and made to be shot. I might not shoot full chambers with it though.

I have several originals, and shoot all of them. If I had an original in this condition though, I don't know that I would.

Never seen pictures of an original even close to the condition of this gun. I'd want to preserve it as well as possible.

If it were mine, and a real original, I'd be tempted to sell it and buy 5 more originals in a condition I wouldn't mind shooting.

 

[Trev]

Yeah, but all/most/some of the value of that appearance is gone now that it's been refinished?
I guess I see it that the gun was purchased just for shooting, and apparently after refurbishing and after expert verification is still intended to be a shooter. His gun , his money, his decisions. But , I can see your point of making a profit on it and purchasing another to shoot.

 

[KingOfKindling]

Yeah, but all/most/some of the value of that appearance is gone now that it's been refinished?
I guess I see it that the gun was purchased just for shooting, and apparently after refurbishing and after expert verification is still intended to be a shooter. His gun , his money, his decisions. But , I can see your point of making a profit on it and purchasing another to shoot.

Yeah, I'd imagine some value would have been lost if the gun smelled like cold blue.

I'd wager he only touched up some spots, as the gun doesn't seem to have lost it's original polish. Who knows what the value would be. It's not an original though, so this unique situation is kinda moot.

 

[nick_1]

if in fact you had an original and you refinished it the value takes a serious nose dive. The actual patina is part of the value. There are ways of restoring antique guns that does not harm the patina. Re bluing is a huge no no and has no bearing on shootability.

 

[bpalbee]

if in fact you had an original and you refinished it the value takes a serious nose dive. The actual patina is part of the value. There are ways of restoring antique guns that does not harm the patina. Re bluing is a huge no no and has no bearing on shootability.

The revolver pictured is original ...an original 2nd gen from the 1970s. Don't believe your lyin' eyes.