This is an 1851 Colt .36 caliber Navy revolver that was later converted for .38 caliber metallic centerfire cartridges.

It is a 6-shot revolver with a round 7.5” barrel. Original serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap match. Serial number 9607 dates the original production to late 1851. The reworked cylinder has a different number. Period replacement wedge. Walnut grips display a few dings on the butt which is customary with age and usage.

The centerfire alteration consisted of removing the percussion nipples, creating a bored-through cylinder rebored to chamber the .38 centerfire cartridge and installing a breech plate or conversion ring with loading gate. This cylinder work was done separately and cylinders seldom, if ever, matched the serial numbers on rest of the gun when reassembled. The loading lever assembly was also removed and the dovetail for the lever catch and the mounting recess were filled. The plunger hole was plugged. A Mason spring-loaded ejector rod and housing was installed on the right side of the barrel.

These Richards conversions were done between 1871-78, and the Richards’ was considered a much more practical conversion than the earlier Thuer conversion.

The metal overall is smooth with the barrel having a pewter gray patina mixed with darker mottling. The barrel address, “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW - YORK U.S. AMERICA” is sharp. The two-line stamp, “COLT’S / PATENT” on the left frame also remains, with the 1871 and 1872 patent stamps applied during the conversion immediately to the right. The brass trigger guard and backstrap show a nice mellow color and the original “.36 CAL.” stamp is clear.

The cylinder has very little of the rolled scene visible. The patent stamp and serial number are good. The latter is 89793, a mismatch expected on this model. The loading gate is numbered 52 as part of the conversion ring and features the early external spring.

A Richards-Mason conversion makes a great addition to any U.S. arms collection.  [jet]  [ph:L]

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