This very attractive example of the always desirable Colt Model 1861 Navy was manufactured in 1864 in the latter part of the American Civil War and displays the iconic "late percussion vine scroll" factory engraving. The Model 1861 Navy was only produced in limited numbers (under 39,000), especially compared to the Colt Model 1860 Army (over 200,000) manufactured during essentially the same time period. The model combines the popular .36 caliber of the Model 1851 Navy, one of the most popular revolvers of the 19th century, with the sleeker round barrel and improved loading lever design introduced on the Colt Model 1860 Army. Given the rarity of the '61 Navy, they are naturally difficult to acquire with factory embellishment, let along factory engraved, fitted with a period checkered grip, in a case with accessories, and excellent overall condition. Given its year of production and embellishment, this revolver was likely intended to be a presentation piece for a Union officer. The revolver features the noted vine scroll engraving on the barrel, frame, grip straps, and hammer. The engraving is similar to the earlier factory engraving by Gustave Young and the other German immigrant engravers working for Colt but features smooth rather then textured backgrounds and has a distinct flowing floral band on both the left and right sides of the barrel. The hammer has the wolf's head motif. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the frame is inscribed rather than stamped. "36 CAL" is marked on the left side of the trigger guard along with an "S". The barrel has a blade front sight and the one-line "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" barrel address. The cylinder has the classic naval battle scene. Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Greg Lampe noted that the very attractive checkered grip has always been on the revolver since was sold and was likely fitted by a dealer or distributor. The factory "E" designation for engraving is found above or below the noted serial numbers aside from the cylinder. This stunning revolver comes in a fitted wood case with dark green lining, an extraordinary Colt powder flask with single sided martial trophies design and sloped charger, stunning "COLTS/PATENT" and "36 B." (36 caliber Belt revolver) marked blued ball/bullet mold, blued L-shaped combination tool, balls and bullets, two cartridge packs, an Eley Bros. cap tin, and a key. Provenance: The Ronald Dean Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent overall with crisp factory engraving and markings and 90% plus original finish. 80% of the vibrant case colors remain. The silver plating displays lightly age darkened patina. There is some light flaking of the dark original blue finish on the cylinder and barrel and some smooth dark brown patina on the balance, but overall wear is very minimal and generally associated with age and storage, including minor drag lines and some marring to just one of the safety pins. Even the screws retain nearly all of their original finish. The slightly age shrunken grip is also excellent and has crisp checkering and minor age lines. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with mild age and storage related wear. The accessories are generally excellent with nearly all of their original finish and minimal storage wear. Overall, this is an absolutely incredible cased set featuring an a stunning factory engraved Colt Model 1861 Navy. This is certainly one of the finest overall extant examples.