This revolver was manufactured in the mid-1870s as a cartridge revolver using the Richards-Mason conversion method. Colt manufactured approximately 3,800 Model 1851 Navies for .38 caliber metallic cartridges. They were among the first civilian metallic cartridge revolvers available in the Old West. The loading gate is numbered "2159." "1257" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The cylinder has the matching partial serial number "257" and is roll engraved with the classic Naval Battle of Campeche. The frame features the two-line "-PAT. JULY.25.1871-/-PAT. JULY.2. 1872-" on the left side of the frame, and "36 CAL" is on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection

Excellent, with 95% plus of the original nickel. There is some extremely minor loss on the high edges. The hammer retains most of its vivid original casehardening color. The undersized/age shrunken grips are very fine with attractive aged patina, minor age lines, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is a superb example of a rare and historically important Colt firearm.