Navy Arms Co 1851 Navy .36 Brass-Frame Percussion Revolver, 7.5 in Octagonal Barrel, Italian-Made (1970s)
This Italian-made Navy Arms import is a brass-frame reproduction of the Colt 1851 Navy in .36 caliber, built in the open-top Colt pattern with a wedge-retained 7.5 in octagonal steel barrel. It features a six-shot cap-and-ball cylinder without the naval scene, blued steel components with case-colored small parts, and one-piece-style varnished wood grips. Markings include NAVY ARMS CO., RIDGEFIELD, N.J., MADE IN ITALY, BLACK POWDER ONLY Cal. 36, Italian proof symbols with PN, and the Italian Roman-numeral date code XXIX from the 1970s.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor small scratches and scuff marks. The front portion of the barrel shows light finish loss.
What's Included
- Navy Arms Co 1851 Navy .36 brass-frame percussion revolver
This model follows the classic open-top Colt mechanism with a wedge-retained barrel, delivering the recognizable 1851 profile and handling characteristics. The 7.5 in octagonal steel barrel and six-shot percussion cylinder reflect the traditional layout, while the cylinder is plain, without the naval scene found on some examples.
The steel barrel and cylinder wear a blued finish, complemented by case-colored small parts and a polished brass frame and grip frame. One-piece-style varnished wood grips complete the period-correct look and feel.
Sight arrangement is straightforward and traditional: a brass bead front paired with a hammer-notch rear. The revolver uses a single-action percussion system with an external hammer, consistent with its cap-and-ball design.
Importer and proof markings are clearly present, including NAVY ARMS CO., RIDGEFIELD, N.J. on the top barrel flat, MADE IN ITALY, BLACK POWDER ONLY Cal. 36, Italian Gardone/Brescia proofs with PN black-powder proof, and the Roman-numeral date code XXIX, placing it in the 1970s production era.