This is an exceptional example of a rare U.S. Navy issue Fourth Model Colt Model 1851 percussion revolver. Most of these Navy issued, also known as "Navy-Navy," examples were converted to metallic cartridge configurations after the Civil War, making unaltered percussion examples rare. Approximately 2,640 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Navy between June 1856 and September 1859. This revolver was manufactured in 1858 and has the distinctive iron grip frame with large trigger guard, a post front sight, hammer nose rear sight, three-screw frame and percussion cut-out without a capping groove. The top barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-", with "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval battle scene. All matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, cylinder pin, wedge and handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. Small one letter inspection marks on various parts. The iron butt is marked "U*SN*" and the right walnut grip base is stamped with "I/G*WR*" inspection initials. Fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip. Includes an original Civil War Navy revolver black leather holster embossed "US.N.Y/BOSTON", and an original Civil War "USN" embossed black leather Navy pistol/revolver cartridge box that is also embossed "US.N.Y/BOSTON" on the inner flap. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Exceptionally fine, appearing to have remained mostly out of the elements . The barrel retains 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some light scratches and a few typical dings around the right of the wedge. The cylinder retains 85% plus original blue finish with all of the crisp naval scene remaining. The frame retains 80% plus vivid original case colors showing very strong on the left with the right rear half of the frame showing a smooth gray patina, likely a contact area from storage. 70% original case colors remain on the loading lever and hammer. The iron grip straps retain 40% original blue finish. The grip is excellent with some scattered light handling marks and retain nearly all of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The Navy holster and cartridge box are both very fine. Colt Model 1851 "Navy-Navy" percussion revolvers, non-converted, are rarely encountered in any condition, making this exceptionally fine revolver an extreme rarity in a league of its own and the finest example of its kind to ever be offered by Rock Island Auction Company. A must have for the serious Colt collector!