Original Belgian Colt Brevete .36cal 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver Copy with 4 ½” Barrel Serial 104637 – circa 1890 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting patinated “Colt Brevete”, a European copy of the Colt Percussion revolvers of the U.S. Civil War Era, however this example was made after that period. It has various proof marks on, mostly “Crown” marks over letter inspections, and some “crossed hammer” marks that we have not seen before. The side of the cylinder however is marked with the CROWN over E / L / G * in an Oval proof, for production in Liège Belgium circa 1890, when this new proof was introduced for export arms. We believe this was almost certainly for the Eastern European and Ottoman markets, which were still using percussion arms at the time.

The revolver looks to be closest to a Model 1851 Navy in form, with a .36cal octagonal barrel and relatively large frame, and has an iron grip frame, as often seen in the European market. It has a short 4 ½” barrel, which we assume was shortened at some time, and it is marked on the top of the barrel with CAP SYSTEM followed by some markings that are too worn to read. It is also marked PATENT SYSTEM on the right side of the frame, and it looks like there are remnants of a “36 CAL” marking on the left side of the trigger guard. We did note that the cylinder is in fact 2 inches long, a bit longer than a Navy should have, so it is not an exact clone.

Condition is very good considering the amount of use it saw,, and it displays an oxidized peppery patina on the exterior, with traces of the original finish on the cylinder. The walnut grip is in very good shape, and the bottom of the grip frame has been fitted with a small lanyard loop. Functional it actually cycles well, though it does have a good amount of slop in the mechanics. The barrel shows clear rifling, but also oxidation and fouling.

A very interesting Belgian copy of a Colt Percussion Revolver, made for export in the late 19th Century. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1890
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 ½ inches
Overall Length: 10 ½ inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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