This very attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy dates to 1863 during the American Civil War and features the distinctive late percussion era factory vine scroll engraving on the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, and grip frame. This revolver has particularly fine details in the engraving such as the intricate floral blooms. The hammer also features the wolf's head motif. Using a smooth background and intaglio engraving give the engraving a very light and attractive feel. Most of the back strap is left blank to leave room for an inscription. Many of the Civil War era engraved Colts were purchased as gifts or presentation pieces for Union officers. The blue and casehardened finish contrasts nicely with the desirable grip. The factory dot marking designating special finishing or engraving is marked by the main serial numbers. All of the serial numbers match aside from the cylinder which in a factory error was instead stamped with the nearly matching "3883". The cylinder is original to the revolver. The barrel features a rare dovetailed blade front sight and the standard one-line New York address. The frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left with the second line faint, and the cylinder has the classic naval battle scene. Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; Property of a Gentleman