Certainly a very handsome set of pistols. I do wonder, however, about the lack of a "Navy" battle scene engraved around the cylinder of Colt's Navy pistols. That was standard, just as it was on the Colt 1860 Army pistols. A stagecoach robbery was engraved around the cylinders of the Colt 1849 models.
Also, I question the lack of the stamped "Colt Patents" and date on the left side of the frame just in front of the trigger guard. That too was standard not only on the 1851 Navy Colts, the 1860 Army Colts, but the 1949 Colt Pocket and Gambler Models. Also there should be "ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW YORK AMERICA" stamped on the top of the barrel just in front of the cylinder.
Also there should be five identical serial numbers stamped on the pistol. One on the bottom of the grip frame, one on the bottom of the trigger guard in front of the trigger, one on the bottom of the frame just in front of the trigger guard serial number, and one on the bottom of the barrel just in front of the previous number. The fifth serial number should be engraved on the cylinder, along with the "Navy" battle scene.
I am no Colt percussion expert, but have owned several over the years, including this Colt 1860 Army .44 that was allegedly picked up on the battlefield after a battle, by my great grandfather who was a Sgt. in Co. B, 40th Georgia Inf. It was passed down through my father's family until he gave it to me many years ago. The only thing on it that is not original is the wedge screw.
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As stated above, a letter from the Colt Historian would verify the serial number if the pistols are, indeed, authentic Colts. If they're authentic Colts, as also stated, they are worth big time $$$$$$$. Good luck.
S.M.
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