Colt's Model 1851 Navy revolver proved to be very popular in the U.K. initially following the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. "The Observer" of London on November 23, 1851, under the heading “Colt’s Revolvers” noted, “No weapon has attracted more attention than the American revolvers of which several specimens were exhibited during the recent Exhibition" and also noted that the British government had approved the Colt for officers in Africa and India and that this sanctioning had, “not only served to clear the shelves and counters of the American department of the Exhibition, but has been the means of obtaining a large number of orders to be executed for persons in this country.” Herbert Houze in "Samuel Colt: Arms, Art and Invention" on page 9 notes that The British Board of Ordnance contracted with Colt for 25,540 Model 1851 Navy revolvers mainly for the Royal Navy, and Colt also sold an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 revolvers to officers. Within a few years, however, sales slowed following the end of the Crimean War and as the Beaumont-Adams and other British designs gained traction. This revolver was manufactured in 1855 and has the large oval, steel trigger guard, steel back strap, wide cylinder nipple cut-outs, bordered knurling on the hammer spur, and round head frame and trigger guard screws that are typical of Colt London Navy revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON-," and London "Crown/GP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and alternating between each nipple on the cylinder. The full serial number is stamped on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel, cylinder, and grip straps have a high polish blue finish, and the lever, frame, and hammer are color casehardened. The walnut grip has a high polish piano varnish finish. The case has a loading and cleaning directions label inside the lid, blue lining, cleaning rod, blued combination tool and ball/bullet mold, key, large cap tin with balls inside, and a James Dixon & Sons powder flask. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Fine with 75% plus original blue on the barrel, patches of original blue and mostly gray patina on the cylinder along with a distinct roll scene, 30% original case colors, traces of blue on the grip straps, and mostly smooth gray patina on the balance. The grip is also fine and has mild handling and storage wear including some dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and most of the accessories are also fine and have mild age and storage related wear including moderate contact wear from the front sight. The mold and combination tool are very fine and have 85% plus original blue finish. Overall, this is a very attractive cased set.