The included factory letter indicates this revolver was part of a shipment of 8 inch barreled Model 1860 Army revolvers sold to the U.S. Navy Department and shipped to the commanding officer at the U.S. Navy Yard in Boston on June 8, 1861. Some of the revolver in these early U.S. military shipments included the distinctive fluted cylinders and "four-screw" frames. Some of the early fluted cylinders failed due to weakness at the rear of the chamber at the cylinder stops. Colt improved the design by introducing the "cavalry cylinder" with a taper to the chamber at the rear thereby leaving more material at the stops preventing failures, but Colt soon eliminated both of the fluted cylinder and the "fourth-screws" to streamline production and reduce costs. Navy shipments of the Model 1860 Army were much more limited than those for the U.S. Army. On page 202 of "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver," author Charles Pate writes, "While their number was not great, some Colt NMA revolvers saw considerable service on the seas and inland waters of the U.S. during the Civil War." The largest order for the Navy was for just 500 revolvers, and we rarely get the opportunity to offer the Navy 1860 Army revolvers. They were employed on the U.S. Navy ships participating in the blockade of the South as part of the Anaconda Plan and also on the smaller vessels conducting river operations. Like the early U.S. Army examples, this one has no government inspection markings. The 8 inch barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the one-line New York address. The frame is cut for a shoulder stock and has the slightly protruding "fourth screws" on the sides as well as the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left. The left side of the trigger guard has a "4" visible. The distinctive fluted cylinder has "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" marked in one flute. Matching serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, back of the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Very good with traces of original finish, dark brown patina and some light oxidation/pitting on the iron, attractively aged patina on the brass, general mild overall wear, and mostly distinct markings. The refinished grip is very good and has minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very solid and attractive U.S. Navy Colt Model 1860 Army with the desirable fluted cylinder.