Anyone know what I have here?

[SilveradoColt21]

I am not the best with C&R stuff, but this has been in my family for over 10 years, my parents used to do the auctions at storage places many years ago and stumbled upon this, I am wondering what this and how much it is worth? Any help would be appreciated

[bigbossman]

Colt 1851 Navy?

[highpower]

I am puzzled as to which exact model it is, but what I can tell you is that it is a cartridge conversion of a Colt blackpowder pistol. The barrel has been shortened at the breech end which is rather an unusual way to do it. I almost think that the barrel is off of a different gun and was modified to fit that particular pistol. The frame has 1871 and 1872 patent dates and has the step that indicates that it is from a 1860 Army so it was probably a factory converted pistol. This was done as they were trying to get rid of their percussion guns prior to the release of the 1873 SAA.

[pitfighter]

I may be wrong, but I think it may be a rather clean Colt 1860 1st Model Richard's Conversion .44 Colt Black Powder.
As the other poster states, barrel and cylinder replaced, and .44 - contrary to frame inscription (.36 cal.) It is also why the patents don't match

Colt 1860 1st Model Richard's Conversion .44 Colt Black Powder, 6" barrel.
There were 28,000 Colt Richards Conversions in .44-caliber Colt Army model 1860 made.

Most of these factory conversions of these guns were done at the same plant throughout the 1870s, four different series of designs were used by the factory that replaced the cap and ball cylinder with one for cartridges.
This included the Richards 12-Stop, Richards 2nd Model, Richards-Mason, and Thuer conversions.
Common market value for these guns was about $5 in the 1880s.

Colt marketed these conversions as being available to current Colt owners (for a fee) to convert their already owned revolvers to shoot cartridges.
This could be done for a few dollars whereas a new Smith would cost the equivalent of a month’s salary.
*I just looked up average monthly salary in the USA on Google and it is just over $6K, so I would guess your revolver is still worth a little less than that now, not much though, they seem to be around $2-$3.5K I did the auction search for ended auctions - but all depends where you're selling it and the profile of the sale, etc.,

PS. As mentioned here, send off to Colt for a letter there will be some helpful info. on it.

[SilveradoColt21]

Thank you guys for all of the interesting information! if I were looking to sell it where would be the best place to do so?

[G-forceJunkie]

I would send off to Colt for a factory letter if it is indeed a factory conversion. Then feel out the market as to its value. You may get more at an auction house...but the fees may make it a wash.

[SilveradoColt21]

I would send off to Colt for a factory letter if it is indeed a factory conversion. Then feel out the market as to its value. You may get more at an auction house...but the fees may make it a wash.

Is an auction house the most viable option in this case? Not sure where else would be the adequate place to sell it

[offrdmania]

Get the letter first, it will cost $200 total for a rush or $100 for non rush but it will take a few months to get. That letter will either be good news or bad news and the difference between sending it to an auction house or just selling it here.

[AR22]

Well it is a Colt .36 Caliber..Not a .44 Looks like a nicely done conversion though..

So I would say a Colt Navy conversion.. Will have to look over the other stuff in the photos better.. My last Colt letter took about 60 days for the 100.00..

Cool old Pistol regardless.. Do the numbers match? Considering a Letter for a mismatched Pistol would be a mistake in my opinion.. So I would say first check the numbers..Disassembly is pretty simple. Or should be.

[dfletcher]

The grips appear brand new - not a scratch mark or any wear at all. The screw heads also appear perfect too. Is this for certain an original?

[SilveradoColt21]

The grips appear brand new - not a scratch mark or any wear at all. The screw heads also appear perfect too. Is this for certain an original?

I mean I am not sure, it could either be a well taken care of old revolver or a newer replica , was thinking of sending it over to Lock, Stock, and Barrel in Simi Valley, CA, from the looks of it on GB they deal with these things all the time.

[SilveradoColt21]

UPDATE: spoke with LSB in Simi Valley and trying to get a feel for what they estimate it would go for in one of their auctions and see if they can help me pinpoint what exactly I have...