Colt 1861 Navy Australian Retailer Marked (AC245)

Serial Number 12525. Made in 1863. 36 caliber with a  7 ½” barrel. Nice sharp gun with an even gray patina on the metal. Cylinder has a very good cylinder scene. This gun is London proofed on the cylinder and frame. Grips are very good with normal handling wear. The bottom of the gun is marked with an Australian retailer’s stamp. It reads “FROM / H. CHALLENER / GUNMAKER / SYDNEY". Henry Challener emigrated to New South Wales from Birmingham in 1853, establishing a gunsmith business on York Street, Sydney the same year. The business moved to King Street & remained trading until 1875 when Challener retired & sold the business to F. Hermelin & Company. Guns were always popular in gold rush areas. The gold rush in New South Wales started in the early 1850s when Henry Challener set up shop & in 1863 when this gun was made, gold production was reaching its peak. Case is very good overall. Very neat Colt 1861 Navy with scarce Australian Markings!