Colt Model 1851 Navy Second Model .36 Caliber Revolver (1853 Hartford) with Ormsby Naval Scene
This Hartford-produced 1853 Colt Model 1851 Navy Second Model is a .36 caliber, single-action percussion revolver with hallmark Second Model features. It retains its blued and color casehardened finishes, shows the Ormsby naval engagement scene on the cylinder, and carries the 'ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY' barrel legend. Components display matching last-four serial markings, underscoring its originality as a collectible antique.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1851 Navy Second Model revolver
Built in 1853 at Hartford, this Second Model exhibits the squareback (flat-front) trigger guard pattern associated with the variant, along with bright-finished grip straps and a one-piece varnished walnut grip. The open-top frame and wedge-retained barrel assembly reflect the classic 1851 Navy design in a full-size format.
The octagonal barrel is marked on top with 'ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY' flanked by arrow finials. Sighting is the traditional setup with a small brass pin front and a rear notch integral to the hammer. An under-barrel loading lever with latch supports cap-and-ball operation.
The cylinder is blued and roll-engraved with the Ormsby naval engagement scene, bearing 'ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843' and 'Engraved by W.L. Ormsby, New York.' The frame is color casehardened and stamped 'COLTS PATENT' on the left side, complementing the overall blued finish.
Components show matching last-four serial markings, an important detail for originality. This is an antique, U.S.-made Colt percussion revolver that aligns with collector expectations for a Second Model Navy from the early 1850s.