The M1851 Navy revolver was one of Colt's most popular percussion revolvers; surpassed only by the M1849 Pocket. The M1851 Navy model was revolutionary for its time. It was the first full size revolver that could be carried comfortably on one's hip. Previous Colt Models had weighed as much as 4 1/2 pounds, relegating them to pommel holsters mounted on horse saddles. The M1851 weighed half as much as its predecessors but was still very lethal. The benefits of being able to carry a simple, reliable, and powerful repeating pistol on one's person rather than on his horse, were immediately obvious to Colts customers, and sales of the Navy exploded. Colt produced more than 250,000 M1851 Navies from 1851 to 1873. The pistol was so well liked, that it remained in production well after the self contained cartridge had rendered the percussion cap obsolete.
Of the more obscure variants of Colt's 1851 Navy, is the "London Model". Seeking to increase sales in Great Britain and circumvent high import tariffs, Samuel Colt established a manufacturing facility in London during the early 1850s. This facility, located in the Pimlico district, operated from 1853 until 1856 and was the only Colt factory outside of the United States to produce the 1851 Navy model.
Production at the London factory was distinct from the Hartford-produced revolvers in several key aspects. The barrel markings are the most prominent identifier, typically reading Address Col. Colt London or a similar variation, rather than the New York or Hartford addresses found on American-made counterparts. These guns also exhibit British proof marks, commonly featuring a crown over V or GP, which indicate the pieces were inspected and proofed according to British standards at the London Proof House.
Approximately 42,000 1851 Navy revolvers were produced in Colt's London factory, which may seem like a considerable amount, but pales in comparison to the quarter million that Colt produced stateside. Additionally, the survival rate of London Navies is considerably lower than its American counterpart. More than half of the total production of London Navies (about 25,000) were purchased by the British government in response to shortages in domestic double-action Adams revolvers during the Crimean War; with most becoming subsequently lost, discarded, or worn out in remote corners of the British Empire over decades of service.
This Colt 1851 London Navy revolver was made in 1853; the first year of production at Colt's London facility. This Colt is in excellent shape; especially considering it's date of manufacture. The lock up is nice and tight with no wobble in the cylinder. The action is as smooth as butter-it feels better than most Italian reproductions! The hammer has a positive half and full cock.
The barrel is in excellent condition. The Colt "London" address stamp is intact and fully legible. There is no wobble in the barrel whatsoever. The bore is in very good shape with excellent, sharp rifling and only minor scattered pitting. This revolver would make for a fantastic shooter!! The cylinder matches the barrel in condition. Each one of the chambers is crisp and clean with no pitting or erosion. The serial number is clearly visible on the cylinder and matches the rest of the gun. The naval scene is still present and legible.
The grips, trigger guard, back strap, and loading lever are all original and all matching.
This Colt is about as honest as they come; with all matching numbers and a great patina. This rare London Navy would be a perfect addition to anyone's collection with it's early production date and shootable condition, this Colt is a collector's dream!
