Colt Robert E. Lee Commemorative 1851 Navy Revolver – 1971 Edition

In 1971, Colt Manufacturing issued this Robert E. Lee Commemorative 1851 Navy Revolver, celebrating the historic legacy of one of America’s most iconic figures. This percussion revolver is chambered in .36 caliber with a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel and a six-shot cylinder engraved with the famous Ormsby Naval battle scene. Each revolver was factory roll-marked with “ROBERT E. LEE – NINETEEN SEVENTY ONE” on the barrel, highlighting its commemorative nature.

This example, serial number 913 REL, remains in excellent condition, showing no evidence of use. The revolver features vibrant color case-hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder, and a silver-finished trigger guard and backstrap, all paired with smooth walnut grips.

Presented in its original Colt walnut display case, the set includes period-style accessories: a mechanical powder flask, bullet mold, cap tin, and lead balls. The interior is lined in “southern grey” velvet with the case lid marked to match the revolver’s commemorative theme. Collectors will note that the lead balls have developed natural white oxidation over time, enhancing the authenticity and presentation.

This limited-production commemorative is highly sought after by Colt collectors and Civil War history enthusiasts alike—an opportunity to own a well-preserved piece of Colt’s commemorative revolver history.

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