Colt Navy Revolver

Production of this model began in 1850. The first revolvers were supplied to the officers serving on the frigate Mississippi. Although the revolver is considered the primary sidearm of Federal naval officers, it was also used by Confederates during the American Civil War (1861 – 1865). When hostilities began, Colt Armory supplied 7 151 revolvers to the Federal Navy. In all, 215 348 firearms of this model were manufactured at the Hartford Armory by 1873. In addition to the American manufacture, Colt Navy revolvers were also made at the British branch of the company in London, with a total production of 42000. During the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), Colt presented an ornate revolver of this model to Napoleon III (French Emperor), one of the leaders of the anti-Russian coalition. In 1855, Colt, through Thomas H. Seymour (then U.S. ambassador to Russia) tried to talk the Russian government into buying his firearms. However, he failed to secure a contract. Meanwhile, the private production of the Colt revolver quality copies was established in Tula, Russia.