31541- ULTRA RARE COLT U.S. MODEL 1851 PERCUSSION .36 CAL. “1 OF 100” NAVY REVOLVERS SERIAL # 20. 6 shot with 7 ½” barrel with one line “NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA” address. Extensively discussed in Nathan L. Swayze’s venerable book “’51 COLT NAVIES” in the chapter entitled “1 OF 100 TEST GUNS” pages 93-97 leaving an open ended conclusion that these mixed numbered very low numbered Navies were originally part of test for the U.S. Ordnance Department on the interchangeability of parts of Colt’s Navy pistol with the parts all below or very near 100. It is certain these were later assembled in mixed number format and subsequently issued or sold circa early 1870’s after the commencement of the cartridge conversion production and purchase by the Ordnance Department. Only a handful known with one other illustrated on page number 95 in the Swayze chapter. One other also low number and with mixed serials was owned by Arnie Chernoff in the 1970’s. Note that most of the major parts on these Navies are Ordnance inspected with supplemental parts uninspected original Colt 1871-2 era replacements as is the cylinder on this example. Otherwise the frame is #20, back strap #10, barrel #18, trigger guard #133, wedge #1113, and lever un-numbered as it should be for the late series 1871-2 Navy. Beautiful excellent plus condition with most of the original factory blue and case colors. Perfect markings with circa 1870-2 larger “COLTS/PATENT” frame stamp and late series barrel address. 100% cylinder scene on the late replacement cylinder with the larger cylinder stops and longer ramps as used on the conversions. Excellent bore and working order. Rare and interesting Martial 1851 Colt Navy. SOLD-call for price