Welcome to as we speak’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 in the course of the California Gold Rush. That is one among 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 various to the dragoon revolvers. The .36 caliber Navy was designed for belt carry and have become one of the vital in style revolvers of the percussion period. The title “Navy” got here from the naval battle scene roll-engraved on the cylinder, not from navy adoption.
First Mannequin 1851 Navys function the squareback set off guard and the barrel wedge positioned straight 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 substitute.
The California Gold Rush in 1850 created huge demand for firearms on the West Coast. Colt’s revolvers have been completely suited to tough situations 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 by way of 1873 with over 200,000 manufactured. These early First Mannequin examples symbolize lower than half of 1 p.c of complete manufacturing.
Most of our POTDs make the most of pictures from our associates at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the USA. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take residence!
“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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