Russian Colt 1851 Copies

[Norinco]

http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/46/lid/3567
http://www.russianrevolvers.com/rp3a.html

Has anyone seen one of these before? Apparently Sam Colt was unable to secure a contract with the Russian Empire. Not long afterward, the Russians decided to make their own copies. These two appear to be hand made to unique dimensions. One appears to have a longer cylinder than the other.

 

[JV Puleo]

Colt licensed the Russians to make them. A few were made at the Sestroyesk Armory. It was not successful because the Russians had none of the specialized machinery Colt used, something I suspect Colt was well aware of when he sold the license.