Welcome to at this time’s Photo of the Day! Right here now we have serial quantity 389, a Colt First Mannequin 1851 Navy “Wedge Over Screw” revolver manufactured in 1850 through the California Gold Rush. That is one in every of solely roughly 800 Mannequin 1851 Navy revolvers made with the barrel wedge positioned over the screw on the barrel lug. Samuel Colt launched the 1851 Navy in 1850 as a lighter, extra balanced different to the dragoon revolvers. The .36 caliber Navy was designed for belt carry and have become one of the vital well-liked revolvers of the percussion period. The title “Navy” got here from the naval battle scene roll-engraved on the cylinder, not from army adoption.
First Mannequin 1851 Navys characteristic the squareback set off guard and the barrel wedge positioned immediately over the screw within the barrel lug. After about 800 weapons, Colt moved the wedge ahead and adjusted to a rounded set off guard, creating the Second Mannequin. These early First Fashions are among the many most fascinating 1851 Navy variations. Serial quantity 389 is an especially early three-digit instance from 1850 when Colt was nonetheless refining the design. Matching serial numbers seem on the loading lever, barrel, cylinder, body, set off guard, and again strap. The wedge is numbered 142 and is a interval alternative.
The California Gold Rush in 1850 created huge demand for firearms on the West Coast. Colt’s revolvers have been completely fitted to tough circumstances and lawless mining camps. Many early 1851 Navys shipped on to California markets the place they commanded premium costs. The 1851 Navy remained in manufacturing via 1873 with over 200,000 manufactured. These early First Mannequin examples characterize lower than half of 1 p.c of complete manufacturing.
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“Scarce and Fascinating Early Manufacturing, Three-Digit Serial Quantity 389 Colt ‘Squareback’ First Mannequin 1851 ‘Wedge Over Screw’ Percussion Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/3311/serial-number-389-colt-squareback-first-model-1851-revolver. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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