Colt Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was the second most popular of all Colt percussion revolvers after only the more compact Model 1849 Pocket. When Samuel Colt was alive, it was this model that was probably the first to come to mind when someone brought up Colt's innovative "revolving pistols." Many were presented to influential individuals at home and abroad to help establish the quality of Colt's wares. It was an excellent revolver for lawmen, soldier, and every day citizens who might need some protection. It had more power than the 1849 Pocket but was still much easier to carry than the massive .44 caliber Colts such as the Walkers and Dragoons. This highly attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy was manufactured in 1861 around the beginning of the Civil War. The barrel has the one-line "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.-" address, the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking, the cylinder features the iconic Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene, and matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, loading lever wedge, cylinder, and cylinder pin. "Jay Evans 1861" inscribed on the rear of the grip strap and "FTPCC" inscribed on the butt, attributed as First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. Nothing further was found related to a Jay Evans at the current time of writing. During the Civil War, the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry was involved in numerous battles notably including the 1861 campaign that led to the First Battle of Bull Run, and on June 28, 1863 they screened Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge against the Confederate forces of John Brown Gordon and performed scouting duties leading into the Battle of Gettysburg.

Excellent. The barrel retains 90% bright original military style factory blue finish with a patch of light pitting/corrosion on the right. The cylinder retains 60% original blue finish with brown patina on the balance, all of its safety pins, and a crisp scene. 95% plus highly attractive vivid original case colors remain on the loading lever, frame, and hammer. The brass exhibits an attractive bright golden patina with inscriptions as mentioned. The grip is excellent, retaining nearly all of the original oil finish, with a few dents and handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This highly attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy percussion revolver would be a prized piece in any esteemed Colt collection!