This revolver is a standard model Colt factory conversion manufactured by Colt from previously unassembled and unfinished M1851 Navy parts. Colt manufactured approximately 3,800 Model 1851 cartridge conversion revolvers in the mid-1870s. The revolver has the distinctive features of "Type 1" factory alterations as assembled using unfinished parts: (1) the hole in the barrel lug for the percussion loading lever has not been plugged, (2) the frame is fitted with a loading gate with internal spring actuated plunger, (3) the improved Richards-Mason breech plate is contoured flush with the recoil shield, (4) the rimfire firing pin is attached to the hammer by two lateral rivets, (5) the ejector housing is attached by a screw in the left side of the barrel lug and (6) the top of the hammer spur has a bordered, oval, knurled panel. The full serial number, "3170", is visible on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and stamped "COLTS PAT. No. 170". Assembly number "497" stamped on the cylinder pin and rear face of the loading gate. Unnumbered wedge. "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" roll-stamped on top of the barrel, "-PAT. JULY. 25, 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2, 1872.-" in two lines on the left of the frame. The brass back strap has a period oval shaped knurled section towards the top. Initials "JDS" carved in the top left of the grip, what appears to be a ship carved in the top right, and two carved notches in the bottom left edge.

Very fine, retains 75% plus of the attractive bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel , 40% of the vibrant original case colors, and 20% of the original silver plating with a tarnished appearance concentrated around the iron trigger guard. Attractive bright golden patina on the brass back strap. The grip is very good with scattered scratches, general period wear along the bottom edges with some light crazing of the original varnish, and the mentioned period carvings. Mechanically excellent. With the limited examples of these Colt Model 1851 conversion revolvers seeing hard use out West, this example remains in a high state of condition comparatively and has a hint of frontier charm with period initials carved in the grip!