1861

[Paladin]

hope one of you can help me, a friend of mine put in my hands what looks like a 1861 but it has no markings except on the cyl is marked "patend N" and engraved in the cyl is "Engaged 16 May 1843" there are also sailing ships engraved into the cyl and it has proof marks round barrel and brass frame. he took the gun home with him and I can't remember what the proof look like . should have taken a picture I guess any ideas? thanks for the help

               Paladin

[Flint]

The 1861Colt did have the Naval Battl scene, and the (Original Colt) had the serial number there where the patent note is.  If there are proofmarks, it is European, likely Italian.  Is the cylinder frame brass, or just the griupframe?  Actually an 1861 should have no brass parts.  There may be a makers name on the bottom of the barrel, hidden by the reloading lever.  To be legally imported (now)  the country of origin must be stamped, if it was made before that law, it might not.  No American made gun has proofmarks.

[Paladin]

Thanks Flint. I never thought to look under the loading lever, I'll check that out next time I see it.

    Paladin