Original Colt 1851 Navy

[Choatecav]

Not sure if this is the right area to post this but I have always wanted to own a Civil War revolver that had provenance to it's original owner. Well...... I finally found one.

It belonged to 2nd Lt. James R. Letts of Co. E. of the 100th Illinois Infantry. Lt. Letts was enlisted in Aug of 1862 at Joliet, IL and due to poor health resigned in 1863 in Murfreesboro, TN. He was born November 1st, 1820. This Colt model 1851 Navy has a serial number of 111223 and was manufactured in 1861. There is a large amount of paperwork that came with this and documents that it belonged to Lt. Letts. The seller obtained this from an estate sale held by a descendant of Lt. Letts.

thanks,

[Dave T]

KOOL!

A piece of history I would certainly treasure. Congratulations!

Dave

[03RN]

Are you going to shoot it?

[awp_101]

That's awesome, congrats on finding one of your grail guns!

Are you going to shoot it?

What he said!

[JonInWA]

I wouldn't advise shooting it. I'd have a knowledgeable and qualified gunsmith go through it, lubricate, probably put a coating of Renaissance wax on it, and put it in an appropriate display box. I'm not sure how durable they were, especially springs and small parts, and it would be a shame to break it on an outing.

But-it's your gun...

Best, Jon

[Choatecav]

Are you going to shoot it?

Thanks everyone for the likes and comments.
No, I don't plan on shooting it. I cleaned it and feel it could be shot but I have several reproduction percussion revolvers and can scratch that itch with them, but this one is now in my display case along with items that my great Grandfather brought home from the war.
Thanks again.