This is a very seldom seen example of a Colt U.S. Navy Mark I Model 1900 Gatling gun, and one of the rarest Gatling gun models extant. The number of Model 1900 Mark I Gatling guns issued to the U.S. Navy is not confirmed although it is most certainly a very small number, and page 140 of "The Gatling Gun" book by Wahl and Toppel mentions possibly up to 17 were Navy issued, based on numbers they had witnessed at the time of publication, although that number is in reference to the subsequent Mark II variant (the authors do not acknowledge the Mark I). We have only over offered two Mark IIs for sale very recently, with numbers 43 and 46, but this is the first example of a Mark I Navy Gatling gun that Rock Island Auction Company has had the opportunity to offer in our 30 years of business! This Mark I Navy Gatling is very similar to the Mark II Navy examples witnessed, but has a different end cover that surrounds all of the barrels as opposed to the Mark IIs seen with an end cover that conceals half of the barrels. Features ten fully enclosed rotating barrels, a cone front sight and adjustable 2,000 yard rear sight, Bruce feed system, and a right side mounted safety knob. The Mark II has the ability to attach the crank handle to either the gear-reduced side shaft or directly to the rear of the barrel-unit axle for an even higher rate of fire. Although the "recommended" rate of fire was 600 rounds per minute, the direct drive method of operation could easily surpass that. “U.S.N./C.A.B.(navy anchor)CAL..30/MARK I/No. 4. 260.Lbs./1901” marked on top of the breech ahead of the cartridge hopper, “GATLING GUN PATENTED/Manufactured by/Colt’s Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” marked on top of the breech casing behind the cartridge hopper. Small single letter naval inspection stars are marked on various components including the magazine. “No. 4” marked on top of the left yoke latch. The gun is mounted on an original lightweight wheeled Navy carriage fitted with modern made ammunition crates. The base of the carriage is wearing an oval brass plaque on the front marked “Manufactured By/Colt’s Pat. Fire Arms M’f’g. Co./Hartford, Conn. U.S.A./No. 24. J.A.B./(naval inspection triangle)". Also includes an original caisson, and a modern made wooden transport crate for the gun.