This gorgeous Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1852 in the early years of Colt employing German trained engravers and displays the distinctive foliate scroll engraving inhabited by masks on the left side of the barrel and frame, beaded backgrounds, and a bestial motif on the hammer rather than the soon to be standard wolf head. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the frame is also hand inscribed in a panel rather than stamped. The barrel features a cone front sight and the one-line "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" marking. A "4" is marked among the rayed ornamentation on the left side of the barrel lug and on the cylinder below the serial number. The left side of the trigger guard has a "C" and "G". The factory dot marking designating factory engraving is marked by the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Matching serial numbers are visible on the loading lever and cylinder. The wedge is non-matching. Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Very fine with crisp engraving and markings, 75% plus original silver plating with aged patina on the grip straps, smooth smoky gray patina on the casehardened components, 70% plus refinished blue on the cylinder, 60% original blue on the barrel, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and fairly minimal wear. The grip is very fine and has glossy piano varnish, light scratches and dings, and some hammering marks on the butt. Mechanically excellent.