This revolver was originally manufactured in 1861 and is one of just a few hundred '61 Navies purchased for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, subsequently converted for use with metallic cartridges for the navy in the mid-1870s. These were used through the late 19th century before being replaced by the Colt Model 1889 Navy and New Navy revolvers. Features a German silver blade front sight, New York barrel address, "R.W.M." and an anchor on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, "PAT. JULY. 25, 1871./PAT. JULY. 2, 1872." stamped on the left of the frame on top of the original "COLT/PATENT" marking, "36 CAL" on the left of the trigger guard, "89529/557" marked on the cylinder, "1170" on the loading gate, "6557" on the barrel, frame, and grip straps. Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection

Very good plus with 25% of the factory refurbished case colors visible on the frame, attractive golden aged patina on the grip straps, 20% blue finish on the barrel and ejector housing, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, generally mild overall wear as expected for a U.S. Navy sidearm, with a defined cylinder scene. Grip is also very good with numerous scattered dings and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Only a few hundred of these were purchased for the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War, and they remained in service for many years, making them difficult to find in this condition.