C.R. Alsop First Model Navy Spur Trigger, Rare 1 of 100 Civil War-Era, Blue 4 1/2″ 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1863 Antique
Sold For: $1,205.00
LSB#: 170302MW01
Make: C.R. Alsop
Model: Model 1st Navy
Serial Number: 62
Year of Manufacture: The first 100 were made in 1863, per Flayderman’s Guide.
Caliber: .36 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 4-Shot, Single Action, Black Powder Percussion ‘Cap and Ball’ Revolver with Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The underside of the barrel, cylinder, rear of each percussion block at the rear of the cylinder, left of the grip frame, on the loading plunger and butt of the grip frame are marked “62”. The top of the barrel is marked “C.R. ALSOP MIDDLETOWN CONN. / PATENTED JULY 17TH. AUGUST 7TH 180 MAY 14TH 1861”. The left of the side plate is marked “PATENTED JANY. 21ST 1862”. The cylinder is marked “C.H. ALSOP / NOV 26TH 1861”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small brass blade, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” channel on the frame’s top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth hardwood, we believe they are walnut with a varnished finish. The left panel has a large loss, both have oil staining and heavy gouges, a few look like ‘kill marks’. The left panel has scrape removals and a surface crack on the inside. The stocks rate in about Fair and Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark, the rifling is barely visible, there is heavy surface erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: The metal has a beautiful natural patina with spots of mild erosion. The barrel still has some strong bluing, the edges of the barrel have holster wear, the frame, cylinder and grip straps have heavy bruises and advancing erosion on the grip straps. The internal areas under the grip frame and on the firewall’s rotating ring still have sharp definition. The loading lever latch appears to be a ‘period’ replacement with about as much wear as the other areas. The screw heads are deformed. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair condition given its mechanics but would otherwise rate in Good condition.
Mechanics: The rotating firewall ring does not move with the hammer cocked, the safety is stuck on fire. We are not sure what is causing the ring to fail, the mainspring is still pretty strong, the trigger is mushy, the hammer and nipples have heavy warping and erosion. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: C.R. Alsop made 500 .36 Navy pistols from 1863 to 1864 in the heat of the American Civil War. Of that 500, only 100 are classified as the 1st Model such as this one, number 62. The 1st Model featured a frame mounted safety on the right, pretty neat for a pocket or belt sized carry piece. This one is beautifully aged with some blue still left on the barrel, protected portion of the frame and internals. The grips reflect this condition, beautiful in their own way and sleek, with the ‘notched’ rear grip strap and curved square butt grip frame. The left panel has several hash marks that some call ‘kill notches’, they look old enough to have been put on during the Civil War or Indian War eras. With so few made, and fewer less with all serialized parts matching, we believe this is going to attract the most demanding Civil War era collectors. Conversely, if you are starting a collection, this would be a bold leap and good investment; if you are a gunsmith, perhaps you have the knowhow to get the cylinder turning again.
