This classic Colt Model 1851 Navy was manufactured at Colt's London factory in 1855 and features the distinctive London barrel address, rounded screw heads, and blued iron grip frame. Samuel Colt courted various European powers looking to expand his business in Europe. The Crimean War in 1853-1856 represented an excellent opportunity for Colt to sell large quantities of revolvers, especially his popular Model 1851 Navy revolvers. 5,000 of these Colt London manufactured Navy revolvers were purchased for use by the Royal Army during the war, and many others were privately purchased by British officers. However, increased competition from British designs like the double action Beaumont-Adams revolvers ultimately forced the closure of his factory in London after it had manufactured around 42,000 of these London Model 1851 Navy revolvers, and Colt instead shifted to sending revolvers made in Hartford to his sales office in London. The barrel is marked "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON-" on top. The frame is marked "COLT S/PATENT" on the left side. London proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel just in front of the wedge and on the cylinder shoulders. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap are blued; the frame, hammer, and loading lever are casehardened, and the grip is varnished walnut. The serial number is stamped in small numerals on the loading lever, barrel, wedge, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and back strap.