- Joined
- Aug 26, 2021
- Location
- North Carolina
I'm in the market for a Colt 1851 Navy to go along with my Colt 1860 but I'm in a bit of a quandary and I would like the opinion of those more knowledgeable than me.
Assuming that the pistols are all matching and condition is similar between the two, would you think a pre-war Hartford addressed Colt or a martially marked (US marking under Colt Patent) would be the better choice?
Here are my thoughts on the choices: (note - whatever I purchase won't be for resale or profit so my thoughts on being "rare" is more for my own knowledge and satisfaction than having to do with appreciation)
Hartford Colt - my understanding (although may be completely incorrect) was that many of the Hartford-marked Colts were shipped south prior to the war. I'm intrigued by the possibility that a Hartford Colt may have been likely used by the Confederacy although I know there is no assurance that that would be the case. I think I read somewhere that the ones shipped south right before the war were in the 95-99k serial number range but maybe I dreamed that. I also understand that the Hartford-marked Colts are more desirable than New York marked ones? (although I guess that would be up to the individual)
US Colt - I am assured that a US-marked Colt would have served in the Army although were would be anyone's guess. Could even be that it was in service even after the war. I understand that there were not many 1851's purchased by the US government (when compared to 1860's and the total number of 1851s produced) which might make it more "rare" or desirable.
So...what would you do (getting both is not an option as nice as that would be)? If you could share the reasoning for your decision as well it would help. Ultimately I know it is my decision but I would like to think I made the "best" and " right" choice.
Thank you
Assuming that the pistols are all matching and condition is similar between the two, would you think a pre-war Hartford addressed Colt or a martially marked (US marking under Colt Patent) would be the better choice?
Here are my thoughts on the choices: (note - whatever I purchase won't be for resale or profit so my thoughts on being "rare" is more for my own knowledge and satisfaction than having to do with appreciation)
Hartford Colt - my understanding (although may be completely incorrect) was that many of the Hartford-marked Colts were shipped south prior to the war. I'm intrigued by the possibility that a Hartford Colt may have been likely used by the Confederacy although I know there is no assurance that that would be the case. I think I read somewhere that the ones shipped south right before the war were in the 95-99k serial number range but maybe I dreamed that. I also understand that the Hartford-marked Colts are more desirable than New York marked ones? (although I guess that would be up to the individual)
US Colt - I am assured that a US-marked Colt would have served in the Army although were would be anyone's guess. Could even be that it was in service even after the war. I understand that there were not many 1851's purchased by the US government (when compared to 1860's and the total number of 1851s produced) which might make it more "rare" or desirable.
So...what would you do (getting both is not an option as nice as that would be)? If you could share the reasoning for your decision as well it would help. Ultimately I know it is my decision but I would like to think I made the "best" and " right" choice.
Thank you