Pietta 1851 Navy Snub Nose .36 Cal Single-Action Percussion Revolver, 3 in Octagon Barrel, Blued/Color Case-Hardened, Made in Italy
This compact 1851 Navy Snub Nose from F.lli Pietta is a recent-production, Italian-made cap-and-ball revolver with a 3 in octagonal barrel and a 6-shot percussion cylinder. It stands out with a factory roll-engraved Ormsby naval battle scene on the cylinder, a color case-hardened steel frame, and checkered walnut flattop birdshead grips. Marked with CIP PN proofs and a boxed 21 date code and imported by Taylor's & Co., it offers classic styling in a short, well-balanced package.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver shows minimal evidence of prior use, and mechanical function is excellent.
What’s Included
- Taylor's & Co. branded factory cardboard box
- F.LLI Pietta Instruction and Safety Manual for Black Powder Muzzleloading Revolvers and Carbines
- Brass loading rod (separate rammer)
The Snub Nose configuration pairs a 3 in octagonal steel barrel with a compact overall length of 8.7 in and an approximate weight of 2.2 lb. It uses a single-action percussion (cap-and-ball) system with a 6-shot cylinder equipped with nipples.
The cylinder is roll-engraved with the classic Ormsby naval battle scene and marked "Engraved by W.L. Ormsby New York." The frame wears a color case-hardened finish, while the barrel and cylinder are blued. Checkered walnut flattop birdshead grips contribute to the revolver's compact, secure feel.
Sighting is straightforward and period-correct, with a fixed brass front bead and a hammer notch rear. The barrel is retained by a wedge with a retaining screw for secure assembly consistent with the 1851 pattern.
Barrel construction and rifling are set up for round-ball use, featuring steel construction, a 1:30 left-hand twist, and 7 left-hand grooves. Proof and origin marks include CIP PN, a boxed 21 date code, and "F.LLI PIETTA – MADE IN ITALY." The U.S. importer/marketer is Taylor's & Co.