This incredible revolver was manufactured in 1861 and was part of a 2,000 gun contract with the U.S. Ordnance Department signed on April 13, 1861. Although the Ordnance Department subsequently purchased 363 additional Model 1861 Navy revolvers from Colt distributors, the 2,000 pistols purchased under the April 1861 contract were the only Ordnance inspected, military finished Model 1861 Navy revolvers manufactured by Colt during the Civil War out of a total of 38,843 Model 1861 Navy revolvers manufactured in 1861-1873. After the U.S. contract Walker Colt revolvers, the U.S. Contract 1861 Navy revolvers are the rarest U.S. martial Colt percussion handguns. For comparisons, over 200,000 Model 1860 Army revolvers were manufactured, including over 150,000 during the Civil War and approximately 129,730 purchased by the U.S. government. This exceptional revolver has the Colt military finish with low-polish blue barrel and cylinder, color casehardened loading lever, frame, and hammer; brass trigger guard and back strap, and oil-finished walnut grip. The barrel has a German-sliver front sight, and the hammer has a sight notch rear sight and knurled spur. The top of the barrel has "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-." The cylinder has the classic Naval Battle of Campeche scene. An uneven period added "US" marking is stamped over the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "36 CAL". The revolver also has the following sub-inspection markings: "D" on the bottom of the barrel, overstamped, double struck "C" on the left side of the barrel at the breech, the loading lever arm, rammer, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, and on the grip to each side of the back strap on the butt; "G" on the face of the recoil shield, "R" on the left side of the trigger guard, and a "PB" cartouche on the left side of the grip. Matching visible serial numbers are found on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Exceptionally fine. 80% of the original blue and casehardened finish remains, and the "feathering" still remains visible to the sides of the front sight and on the barrel lug. The markings and cylinder scene remain crisp. The balance of the iron exhibits smooth gray and brown patina. The grip frame displays highly attractive aged patina. Wear is consistent with the revolver actually seeing some limited use, including some faint pitting on the cylinder face and light drag lines. The grip is very fine and has a crisp cartouche, smooth oiled finish, scattered light scratches and dings, and a couple of small chips on the lower right at the toe. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly one of the finest known U.S. inspected Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers!