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 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. All matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, wedge, loading lever, cylinder pin, and cylinder. Includes a walnut case with red felt lining, cleaning rod, "L" shaped combination tool, "COLT'S/PATENT" and "36 B" marked blued ball/bullet mold, key, Eley's cap tin, and a James Dixon & Sons powder flask. Provenance: The Warren Mariconda Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish on the barrel with sharp markings and edges, 40% plus original blue finish on the cylinder with a distinct roll scene, some flaking and smooth brown patina on the balance of the blued surfaces, 75% muted original case colors, most of the original silver plated finish on the grip straps with a slightly dulled appearance, and mostly smooth gray patina on the balance. The grip is very fine with minor edge wear, some dents and scratches, and retains the majority of its original varnish finish. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have mild age and storage related wear, with some scattered scratches and a few minor chips on the outside of the case. This is a fine London Colt with its cased set.