Martin Giles Antiques

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Stock code 18566

Colt Model 1851 London Navy "Upper Canada" Revover

Serial Number 35170    .36 calibre

Prior to 1854 Canada's defences were provided by Great Britain. In that year Britain became heavily committed to supply men and material to the forces fighting the Crimean War. Because of this, the British Government appealed to Canada to take a more active part in its own defence. Canada accepted and a Commission was formed to purchase arms and equipment. In 1855 the Commission was sent to England to purchase arms for the Militia, these included approximately 800 Colt model 1851 navy revolvers and holsters, 556 were distributed to 10 troops in Upper Canada (now Ontaria) and 255 to Lower Canada (now Quebec). Each revolver was marked on the grip with U.C or L.C together with the Company Code (A-L) and the number of the gun issued to each Troop.

This rare revolver UC G 42 was issued to the Upper Canada Napanne Troop whose strength was 55 men. This very fine revolver retains over 60% of its original finish with all matching serial numbers including the wedge. The revolver has a very good bore and action, the walnut grip is in very good condition with very clear Company markings. These revolvers are now very hard to find especially in this condition.