This U.S. martially inspected Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1862 as part of a 2,000 gun contract with the U.S. Ordnance Department, signed on April 13, 1861. Although the Ordnance Department subsequently purchased 363 additional Model 1861 Navy revolvers from Colt distributors, the 2,000 pistols purchased under the April 1861 contract were the only Ordnance inspected, military finished Model 1861 Navy revolvers manufactured by Colt during the Civil War. After the U.S. Contract Walker Colt revolvers, the U.S. Contract 1861 Navy revolvers are the rarest U.S. martial Colt percussion handguns. Faint boxed script "OWA" (Orville W. Ainsworth) inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the grip, and single letter inspection marks on various components. All matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder, cylinder pin, trigger guard, back strap, and handwritten in black ink in the rear mortise of the grip.

Very good, with mostly smooth gray patina, patterns of original casehardened finish on the frame, bright golden patina on the brass, and defined cylinder scene and markings in the metal. The lightly sanded, reoiled grip is also very good, with scattered light scuffs, mild edge wear, and a faintly visible cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This example offers collectors a rare opportunity to fill a void in their martial collection.