Both of these revolvers are engraved in the classic German-American style used by multiple engravers from Germany working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s. The '51 Navy was manufactured in 1859, and the '49 Pocket was manufactured in 1856. They come in a fitted case with molds, flasks, a cap tin, and some lead balls and bullets. The '51 Navy is inscribed: "To Capt. R.V.W. Thorne/from Alfred Becar" on the back strap. A research file is included on Richard Van Wyck Thorne Jr. (1821-1875) he attended West Point Military Academy but did not graduate. He and his family were figures within the Brooklyn Bank, and he joined the Brooklyn City Guard and was captain of G Company of the 13th New York Regiment during the Civil War. Additional research has found that Alfred Becar was a fellow Brooklyn businessman. In 1859, he married Mary Bull Johnson, daughter of Samuel Evan Johnson and niece of Maria Johnson Thorne Captain Thorne's first wife who died in 1850.

See "A."