FOURTH MODEL COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER ID’D TO 17 PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY OFFICER

$3,975.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 516-06

Here is an original Fourth Model version of the popular 1851 Colt Navy Revolver in very good overall condition. One of the most sought after models ever produced by Samuel Colt’s firm in Hartford, Connecticut was the Colt Navy pistol, a premier medium caliber handgun.

Manufactured sometime in the 4th quarter of 1861, this personal sidearm was used during the American Civil War by Sergeant and later Lieutenant Edwin A. Bean. This M1851 Navy bears matching serial number #109151 marked on its components except for the wedge which is blank. Weapon has a six-shot cylinder and features an octagonal 7½” long barrel with attached loading lever. Barrel shows lightly worn edges but a strong maker address that reads “ADDRESS COL. SAM’L COLT NEW YORK CITY U. S. AMERICA”. All gunmetal exhibits a light gray sheen overall and shows signs of having been lightly cleaned. Barrel shows some light wear marks such as rubbed or scratched areas but overall it presents a clean appearance. Bore is dark.

Mechanics are very tight with strong half cock and full cock positions. Crisp indexing. Cylinder bears 90% of the roll-engraved naval engagement scene between the Republic of Texas Navy and the Mexican Navy. Cylinder has very small amounts of pitting. All cylinder pins are in good condition as is all six original nipples. “COLTS PATENT” stamp on the left of frame is clear but a little weak at bottom. Screws are very slightly buggered and the area around the wedge pin shows numerous small indentations.

The original, one-piece varnished walnut grips are in good condition with minor wear overall. There is no military inspector’s cartouche. Sidearm bears no evidence of silver wash on the brass trigger guard. All brass wears a bright patina.

Backstrap of grip frame near toe has “E. A. BEAN” scratched in it. Grip arc between triggerguard and toe is scratched with “E. A. BEAN / LT. + R.Q.M.17TH PA. CAV.” Bottom of grip frame also has “BEAN.”

An on-line news article on Mr. Bean tells the following story:

“Edwin A. Bean was born February 6, 1831. At the age of seventeen years, he entered the Clayton flour, grist and saw mill, on the township line between Lower Providence and Norriton, as an apprentice, and at the end of two years, left the establishment capable of doing full duty as a finished journeyman. In 1850 Mr. Bean came to Norristown and entered the employ of Bean & Morgan, who ran a sawmill and lumber yard, being engaged there one year, and then entering the mill of Bolton & Christman, where he remained until August 1, 1862. He then enrolled himself in the Company of Captain David B. Hartranft, Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry. On September 19, 1862, he was mustered into the United States service for three years, at Harrisburg. On November 1, 1862, Mr. Bean was made quartermaster sergeant of the regiment and served in this capacity until May 1, 1864, when he was promoted to be quartermaster of the regiment, with the rank of first lieutenant, serving as such until the end of the war. He was mustered out of service on June 16, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Virginia. From the day of his enlistment until the expiration of his term of service at the close of the war, Quartermaster Bean was with his regiment in all its battles, raids and skirmishes, among them being the following: Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Aldie, Upperville, Goose Creek, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Funkstown, Beaver Creek, Boonsboro, Falling Waters, Brandy Station, Raccoon Ford, Barnett's Ford, Martin's Ford, Stevensburg, Brandy Station (second), Rappahannock Station, Oak Hill, Thoroughfare Gap, Liberty, Bealton Station, Rickeysville, Mine Run, Barnett's Ford, Kilpatrick's Raid to Richmond, Todd's Tavern, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Hanovertown, Hawes' Shop, Old Church, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, White House, Jones' Bridge, Darbytown, White Post, Cedarville, Berryville, Kearnsville, Leetown, Smithfield, Winchester, Luray, Tom's Brook, Cedar Creek, Gordonsville, Sheridan's raid to the James river canal and White House, Dinwiddie Courthouse, Five Forks, Scott's Crossroads, Drummond's Mills, Saylor's Creek, Appomattox Station and Appomattox Courthouse. The war ended, Mr. Bean returned home, and accepted a position in a mill in Philadelphia, owned by Rimby & Maderia, and also in the new mill built by the firm after being burned out. He became superintendent, having the work under his charge. About 1878 a new company was formed on the ruins of Rimby & Maderia, of which Mr. Bean became a member. After a short career, misfortune overtook the combination and the mill was sold to Mahlon Fulton, Mr. Bean remaining as manager until Mr. Fulton's death, when the son of Mr. Fulton assumed the management and with him Mr. Bean continued until a year ago, since which time he has lived retired in Norristown. On January 27, 1856, Edwin A. Bean married Elizabeth, daughter of Simon and Magdalena (Gotwals) Hood. They have but one child, Wilmer M.

Edwin A. Bean is a member of Norris Lodge, No. 430, I. O. O. F.; also a member of the Masonic Fraternity; formerly of Hiram Lodge, No. 21, of Virginia, now of Charity Lodge, No. 190, of Norristown, also a life member of H. R. A. Chapter, No. 190, also of Norristown, Pennsylvania.”

Edwin A. Bean died in 1906 and is buried in Montgomery Cemetery, Norristown, Pennsylvania.  [ad]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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