Family Firearms Passed Down

[vmkeith]

I just got back from visiting the folks down in Nevada, and my dad gave me a couple of firearms that have been in the family for quite awhile.

1. Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver: Later model, manufactured sometime between 1866-67 according the the serial number. All serial numbers are matching and all markings look original and legitimate. First order of business with this firearm is to get it appraised. It would be cool if it could be restored without ruining the value, but I think that's a pipe dream.

Markings
Top Barrel Flat: ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA
Left Front Side of Frame: Colts Patent
Left Side Trigger Guard: .36 Cal
Cylinder: Colts Patent No XXXX (last 4 of serial number)
Barrel, Frame, and Trigger Guard: Serial Number
Butt Strap Stamping: Serial Number

There are more markings that aren't visible without some field stripping, but I'll wait on those.

2. J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company Single Shot .22 Long Rifle: Also known as the "Old Stevens Favorite", but still researching. I did find out my grandfather traded a set of spurs for this when he was 12, in 1938. It does need a new extractor, every now and then my grandfather and dad had to use a pocket knife to pull the spent casing out. Best guess for manufacturing date, based on barrel markings is 1894-1920.

Markings
Top Right Barrel: J. Stevens A & T Co., Chicopee Falls Mass USA PAT. APR 17 94
Top Left Barrel: 22 Long Rifle
Bottom Stock Support: Serial Number

3. J. Stevens Arms Company Single Shot Break-Open 410 Shotgun: Best guess for manufacturing date, based on receiver markings is 1920-1940s. Still researching.

Markings
Top Left Barrel: Selected Forged Steel
Left Side Receiver: Stevens, The Fully Guaranteed Single Gun
Right Side Receiver: Circled 21, J. Stevens Arms Company, Chicopee Falls Mass USA, Made in USA

My dad's request is to restore the .22 and the 410, especially since he learned to shoot with both when he was a kid. They hold more sentimental value than monetary, and I want to eventually pass these down to my kids. The 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver is a different story. In most cases the monetary value of a firearm is ruined if it's not restored correctly. First step, appraisal...after that, who knows.

Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver


J.Stevens Single Shot .22 Rifle


J.Stevens Single Shot 410 Shotgun

[PlateauNDN]

An honorable tradition and the weapons look nice!  I'm not an expert but I think the colt holds more value in its present state rather then restored but I'm pretty sure it will be cherished either way. 

[wsucowboy]

They look to be in good condition, love the old colt! I wouldn't try to restore them from what I have heard it takes away from there value, but I'm not a gun expert 

[Heredoggydoggy]

An honorable tradition and the weapons look nice!  I'm not an expert but I think the colt holds more value in its present state rather then restored but I'm pretty sure it will be cherished either way.

i agree on the Colt.  Find a latch for the loading lever, maybe at a gun show, but leave it in its original condition otherwise.  They all have more value as family heirlooms than as collector guns.

[Bean Counter]

Congrats, what a blessing from relatives. If it were me, I would try to find out what it was worth on the date of death of the last decedent who passed it on for federal estate tax purposes.