Ref 3218. A scarce Colt 1851 Navy .36 Percussion revolver engraved E. H. DeWolf. Circa 1853. .36 Muzzleloader

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com. Ref 3218. A scarce American Colt 1851 Navy model .36 Percussion revolver the back-strap engraved E. H. DeWolf. (Probably the original owners name.) In 1830-31, while the sixteen-year-old Colt was serving as a seaman aboard the brig Corvo, he observed the ship's wheel and the relationship of the various spokes to the centre hub. This inspired him to make a wooden model of a revolving pistol. Although others had already experimented with revolvers, Colt's design was the first to automatically rotate the cylinder when the gun was cocked. After his return to the United States, he showed his model to his father, Christopher and to Henry L. Ellsworth, a friend of the elder Colt who was then serving as Commissioner at the U.S. Patent Office in Washington. Both men encouraged Samuel to continue with his work and to seek a patent for his design. At this point in his life, Colt had an idea but no money with which to proceed on his new career path. For the next four years, he worked the travelling show circuit as "Dr. Coult of Calcutta." His lectures and demonstration of nitrous oxide to crowds in the U.S. and Canada provided a source of capital, which was forwarded to his own gunsmiths who produced working versions of his firearms designs. Engraved on the top of the 7.5 octagonal barrel the makers name "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY". Colt patent stamped on the frame. All matching serial numbers (the serial number indicates the year of manufacture - 1853). Engraved on the back strap E.H. DeWolf. Possibly the famous DeWolf family who are a well known Canadian & American family that can trace their roots back to Balthazar DeWolf in 1704. Overall length approx 13 inches. Nice crisp action. Some slight pitting to the barrel otherwise in good condition. Ref 3218. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card. Established 1968.