Colt 1861 Navy Blackpowder Series 2nd Generation F-Series .36 Cal Percussion Revolver, 7.5 Inch, Blue/Case-Hardened, 1980–1981
This Colt 1861 Navy is a 2nd Generation F-Series revolver from the Blackpowder Series, assembled and finished under Colt oversight in Middlesex, New Jersey, during 1980–1981. It features Colt-spec Colt Blue bluing and bone-charcoal color case hardening with Colt inspection, and it presents in excellent condition. A brief production run for the 1861 Navy within the F-Series and matching serial numbers on major components add to its appeal for buyers who want an authentic Colt-marked reproduction with factory documentation.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows only the most minor blemishes consistent with careful handling. It presents very close to new in appearance.
What's Included
- Colt Blackpowder Series factory cardboard box with end label (1861 Navy, Model F1300, .36, 7.5", Blue)
- Colt 'Cap and Ball Revolvers' instruction manual (© 1978 Colt Industries)
- 'The authentic Colt Blackpowder series' brochure
- Factory yellow warning hang tag
This F-Series example was assembled and finished under Colt oversight by Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, New Jersey, using Colt-spec Colt Blue and traditional bone-charcoal color case hardening, followed by Colt inspection. The 1861 Navy saw only a brief F-Series production window in late 1980 to 1981, which adds significance to properly marked and finished examples from this run.
The revolver follows the classic 1861 Navy configuration: an open-top steel frame, a 7.5-inch round steel barrel, a creeping loading lever, and a wedge-retained barrel assembly. It is a .36 caliber, single-action cap-and-ball percussion design with six-shot capacity, and the cylinder includes safety pins on the rear.
Factory-style finishes and materials are present throughout, including a blued barrel and cylinder and color case-hardened frame components. The cylinder bears the naval battle roll scene. The revolver is fitted with a one-piece walnut grip and silver-plated brass trigger guard and backstrap, faithful to period styling.
Fixed sights include a silver front blade and a rear hammer-notch. Major components show matching serial numbers. The absence of a Sam Colt signature on the backstrap confirms this is not a 3rd Generation Signature Series revolver. The original factory box and literature are included, further completing the offering.