Colt 1851 Navy Revolver- Hartford, CT (3D)
Samuel Colt’s Navy Revolver is a great example of innovation during the industrial revolution. Colt was one of the earliest gunsmiths to use interchangeable parts after the success of the Springfield Model 1842. Using the assembly line, Colt standardized the frame, gate, backstrap, trigger guard and grips using stock or parts of salvaged guns.
The Navy revolver also reflects Colt’s second attempt at entering the arms market. After closing his first factory in New Jersey, Colt relocated to New Haven, Connecticut to build his next series of revolvers under Eli Whitney Jr’s armory. Increased sales from the Walker and Dragoon models allowed Colt to relocated to Hartford and continue with the Model 1849 and 1851 Navy revolver (seen above).
A big proponent of Colt’s success was the use of revolvers during the Mexican War, Western Expansion and the Civil War. The gun gave soldiers the advantage of shooting six rounds continuously rather than loading one round at a time. This revolver continued to be in production until the early 1870s, eventually being replaced by the Smith and Wesson Model 3.
More Warfare Artifacts
Sources:
Bilby, Joseph G. “Civil War Revolvers.” On Point, vol. 22, no. 1, 2016, pp. 14–17.
