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General Black Powder => Ask The Experts => Topic started by: bigted on February 10, 2014, 11:51:33 AM

Title: london navy
Post by: bigted on February 10, 2014, 11:51:33 AM

can someone please tell me what attributes make up a 'London Navy Colt'?

i have seen square back trigger guards called a London Colt ... round back trigger guards called a London Colt  Navy ... seen non fluted cylinders called a London Colt ... seen fluted cylinders called a London Colt ... short barreled called a London and long barrels called a London ... as far as i can tell ... i see nothing that consists specifically as a London Navy ... maybe i have missed something some where.

thankyou for the education.

Ted

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: treadhead1952 on February 10, 2014, 12:39:38 PM

Well, aside from being made in the London, England Colt factory and a difference in the shape of the rear of the grip frame I don't know of much else.  Here are a few sites that may go into a bit more detail for you to check out.

http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/372984/revolver-colt-1851-navy-london-model-1853

http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/colt-1851-london-navy.htm

http://www.theshootists.co.uk/Stories/coltlondon.htm

http://www.littlegun.info/arme%20americaine/colt/a%20colt%201851%20navy%20crosse%20gourde%20gb.htm

I hope this helps you out.

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: brazosdave on February 10, 2014, 02:07:03 PM

typically, the ones I've seen have had steel grip frames instead of brass ones.

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: Fingers McGee on February 10, 2014, 04:59:39 PM

Quote from: brazosdave on February 10, 2014, 02:07:03 PM

typically, the ones I've seen have had steel grip frames instead of brass ones.

Replica London Models have blued steel BS/TG with the small round triggerguard and a London barrel address.  Although variations could exist.

Original London models came in three varieties.  Early London's that were made from parts shipped over and assembled in London, London-Londons that were made from parts made England; and Hartford Londons that were made and assembled in Hartford then completed revolvers were sent to England.  All of the original London Models had the same "Address Col. Colt, London" barrel address. The early Londons had brass backstraps and triggerguards; London-Londons were blued iron; and Hartford Londons had iron or brass.  All were basically early 4th model Navies; although variations were common due to Colt's penchant for using up all spare parts.  Some Londons had square back triggerguards.

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: Captainkirk on February 10, 2014, 08:56:41 PM

Once again, Fingers nails it. Thanks, Ken! :)

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: bigted on February 11, 2014, 10:00:08 AM

thankyou for the explanation. and thanks Cap for moving this to where it needs to be. i will get the hang of this after awhile.

Title: Re: london navy
Post by: Captainkirk on February 11, 2014, 08:27:09 PM

Not a problem, Ted! Keeps me in practice! ;)