Purchasing Colt Model 1851…Need Help

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  • Trbo6gn

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 30, 2011
    2,803
    Harford Co.
    I came across a gentleman with a colt model 1851. I’m new to these guns and want to make sure I’m not getting screwed. These are the pictures he provided me with. The serial number dates it to 1863. Can anyone tell me what a decent price for a gun in this condition would be? Are there any warning signs I should look for to make sure it isn’t a replica?
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    Threeband

    The M1 Does My Talking
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 30, 2006
    25,233
    Carroll County
    Repops all have metric threads. That one looks legit in the photos, but I know scammers can turn out some pretty convincing fakes. As for value, I just know I was shocked many years ago by the prices on civil war era Colts, and I doubt they've gone down.

    A site like Gunboards would probably be a better place to ask your questions.

    I do love the '51 Navy. Just a beautiful gun, with so much historic significance. Had that one ben made a couple of years earlier, my ancestor might have had a hand in making it, since he worked at Colt's much of his life. But in '63 he was in Virginia serving with the Connecticut Volunteers.
     

    Doco Overboard

    Ultimate Member
    Serial number font looks just like my original Colts.
    Also, the way the loading port is milled like an arrowhead (where the loading lever is) suggests to me originality.
    Brass looks likes its been cleaned in the last few decades. missing screw, some sort of initials.
    If I could shoot it I would start around 750.
     

    Trbo6gn

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 30, 2011
    2,803
    Harford Co.
    He claims to have had it appraised at Duffy’s for $1500. That number seemed a little high to me. The ones I’ve seen for sale at the Horse soldier in Gettysburg have ranged from 1300-3500 depending on condition and documentation. I know they are usually on the higher end of pricing. I doubt he would take $750 but I don’t want to overpay.
     

    BigRick

    Hooligan #15
    Aug 7, 2012
    1,140
    Southern Maryland
    He claims to have had it appraised at Duffy’s for $1500. That number seemed a little high to me. The ones I’ve seen for sale at the Horse soldier in Gettysburg have ranged from 1300-3500 depending on condition and documentation. I know they are usually on the higher end of pricing. I doubt he would take $750 but I don’t want to overpay.


    I'm no expert but I'm guessing that 1500 is well within a reasonable price range if the the gun is original.
     

    Zorros

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 10, 2017
    1,407
    Metropolis
    Don’t know whether you bought it or not. My 13270x is also a 1863. Does it have a matching number underside of wedge? Serial number on cyl…some of the scene appears present. When you open the loading ram rod, underneath of barrel…matching numbers. Looks nice as far as it is shown. I would say all matching, uncleaned, nice stocks (like this, as far as photos show), nice patina would warrant $1500. I shot mine this weekend. 17 gr BP and a .380 ball and some conical bullets. Not saying you should or would shoot this, but its a lot of fun, much of which isnin the process versus merely pulling the trigger.
     

    Mike OTDP

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 12, 2008
    3,318
    Take a look at the bore. Originals have gain twist rifling (means that the angle of the rifling changes). Repros don't, with the exception of the Pietta Shooter's Model Remington.
     

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