This is an antique engraved Civil War “Period” Belgian manufactured Colt. Model 1851 Navy percussion revolver circa 1850's /SN#SC1913 / 9" overall length / 3 6/8” barrel / .35 cal. / 5 Shot / The octagonal steel barrel is stamped with Belgian inspection / proof marks and the word “COLT……….” (BREVETE) “ BREVETE is unseen from years of use but presumably there “ and “A” . Some other markings you will find are a small "CROWN" over "R M" and "PATEND SYSTEM" on the right side. A decent example of one of the many gun-makers attempting to copy Samuel Colt's Navy revolver of 1851. Interestingly enough, Belgian manufacturers would pay royalties to Samuel Colt per revolver at the rate of .10 cents but only if the proof house deemed the quality was to his safety & standard.
COLT HISTORY: Samuel Colt had a difficult time when he patented the PATTERSON revolver in the late 1830's and did not really achieve success until he received a purchase order of 1000 newly designed massive .44 caliber "Walker" revolvers to arm Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker for the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The "Walker" Colts were delivered in 1847 which Captain Walker carried a pair into battle and was killed in action by a sniper's bullet while leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Huamantla on October 9th, 1847.
Samuel Colts business started to flourish attracting world recognition upon the creation of the .31 caliber model 1849 "Pocket" revolver but then skyrocketed when the .36 caliber model 1851 "Navy" revolver took the scene. Colt had the proper patents both domestic and foreign to protect his designs but that did not stop competitors from copying his patterns. Colt was able to establish several license agreement's which includes having a representative at the Belgium proof house to monitor and charge the competitors a fee to have their copies inspected and approved. If approved, the top of the barrel was stamped "COLT BREVETE" indicating that the copy was of good quality and could be sold. However, many foreign gun makers would avoid the proof house and inspection and made their own fake proof marks and Colt Brevete stamps.
This piece appears to be in functional condition, given its age. The trigger and hammer pull will rotate the cylinder. Sold as-is so please look closely and inquire with any questions.
