Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
Fine $3,750
U.S. Navy Conversions, were made from Model 1851 pistols returned to the factory (the serial group 41000 - 91000 as noted above). Navy inspector markings present (note USN on buttstrap), 1871 and 1872 patent dates stamped over COLTS/PATENT on the frame, blued and casehardened finish; iron gripstraps standard. See 5B-056 Martial Colt 1851 for reference to detailed study of U.S. Navy markings.
| 5B-122 | Values—Good $1,750 | Fine $6,000 |
Civilian pistols sent to Colt’s factory for conversion, and thus appearing from various serial ranges from the percussion production:
| 5B-123 | Values—Good $800 | Fine $3,500 |
Conversion of the Colt Model 1861 Navy
Conversion of the Model 1861 Navy. Made primarily in the mid 1870s; total production of about 2,200.
38 rimfire and 38 centerfire. 6-shot cylinders. 7-1/2" barrels; round, with attached ejector rod, and the loading lever removed and barrel lug plugged.
Grips and finish standard for the Model 1861 Navy. Nickel plating not unusual.
Serial numbering in two ranges: Group beginning at around 100 and running up through about 3300, and another within the percussion series and generally of four digits (the latter all naval alterations, and noted separately below). Standard barrel marking: -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA -. The left side of frame marked either COLTS/PATENT or with 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene of the naval engagement.
The major variations and their values are:
Standard model, made from previously unfinished and unassembled parts (all pieces from the c. 100 - 3300 serial range); the method of alteration the same as the Richards-Mason Model 1860 Army:
5B-124
| 5B-124 | Values—Good $850 | Fine $3,750 |
U.S. Navy Conversions, made from Model 1861 pistols returned to the factory (serial group mainly of four digit numbers). Standard Navy inspector markings, including USN on buttstrap; iron gripstraps standard. 1871 and 1872 patent dates stamped over COLTS/PATENT on the frame, blued and casehardened finish. See 5B-056 Martial Colt 1851 for reference to detailed study of U.S. Navy markings.
| 5B-125 | Values—Good $1,400 | Fine $6,500 |
Civilian pistols sent to Colt’s factory for conversion, and thus appearing from various serial ranges from the percussion production:
| 5B-126 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $3,250 |
Conversions to Cartridge of the Colt Model 1862 “Police” and “Pocket Model Navy” Small Frame Revolvers
The major conversion groups made by the Colt factory of percussion revolvers to breech-loading cartridge models were with the Model 1862 “Police” revolver and the “Pocket Model of Navy Caliber.” Numerous styles and variations are recorded. Approximately 32,000 were altered or produced as original cartridge pistols, utilizing parts of those small frame “Police” and “Pocket Navy” models. In some instances reworked parts from the Model 1849 Pocket Revolver (“Old Model Pocket”; 5B-042) were utilized. Estimated that about 13,000 were factory conversions from percussion models and approximately 20,000 were newly made as cartridge models. When frames and parts from the Pocket Model of 1849 were utilized they are usually observed in the serial range 273,000 to 328,500.
Collecting and categorizing these “Small Frame Conversions” has long been a source of confusion for collectors. Very little reliable data have been available. Increased collector interest and well researched studies have placed these models and their many variations in a more accurate perspective. (Additional significant information directly pertaining to these conversions is included with the commentary immediately preceding the Percussion Model 1862 Police Revolver 5B-103 et al.)
Colt 4-1/2" Octagon Barrel Revolver
4-1/2" Octagon Barrel Revolver. Made c. 1873-75; total quantity estimated 2,000 (all believed from converted percussion revolvers).
38 rimfire. 5-shot cylinder. The octagonal barrel without ejector, the loading lever cutout plugged.
Serial numbering as noted in preface material; in percussion and metallic cartridge ranges. Barrel marking: -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-. Left side of the frame marked either COLTS/PATENT or with 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene depicts the stagecoach holdup.
Key identifying features are the 4-1/2" octagonal barrel without ejector, and the cylinder with stagecoach holdup scene:
5B-127
| 5B-127 | Values—Very Good $650 | Exc. $3,000 |
Colt Round Barrel Pocket Navy with Ejector
Round Barrel Pocket Navy with Ejector. Made c. 1873-75; total quantity about 2,000.
38 rimfire and 38 centerfire. 5-shot cylinder. Distinctive round barrel and lug contour with attached ejector rod; plugged loading lever area. 4-1/2", 5-1/2", and 6-1/2" barrel lengths.
Serial numbering as noted in preface material; in percussion and metallic cartridge ranges. Barrel marking: COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.CO/ HARTFORD CT.U.S.A. On the left side of the frame were stamped 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene depicts the stagecoach holdup.
Distinct identifying features are the round barrel and special barrel lug, presence of ejector rod, loading gate on the conversion breech plate, and the roll engraved cylinder:
5B-128
| 5B-128 | Values—Very Good $850 | Exc. $3,400 |
Colt 1862 Police & Pocket Navy, with Ejector
Model 1862 Police and Pocket Navy, with Ejector. Made c. 1873-75; total quantity about 6,500.
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