This is an exceptional U.S. Navy issued Colt Model 1851 Navy that was originally manufactured in 1856 and subsequently returned to the Colt factory and converted in the early 1870s to .38 centerfire and returned for continued U.S. Navy use. The cartridge conversion Navy revolvers continued to be used by the U.S. Navy up until their replacement in the 1890s by the Colt Model 1889 double action revolver. The barrel is marked with the one line New York address and has had the loading lever removed, with the holes partially plugged, and an ejector rod with housing added to the right. The Texas Navy battle scene roll engraved cylinder, with non-matching number "3604" above the matching number "9287" added at time of conversion, and has been cut as part of the conversion, with a breech plate, loading gate and center fire hammer firing pin added. "PAT.JULY. 25, 1871./PAT.JULY. 2, 1872." marked on the left of the frame over the original "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." markings. Matching full and partial serial number marked on the barrel lug, frame, iron trigger guard, butt, cylinder, loading gate and handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The wedge is seized in place, unable to be removed for viewing. Inspection initials "R.W.M.(navy anchor)." of U.S. Navy Commander Richard W. Meade marked underneath the barrel, and "U.S.N./J.L.H." marked on the butt. Fitted with a smooth walnut grip. Provenance: The Doug Carlson Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine as factory refurbished, retains 75% blue finish on the barrel, 40% blue finish on the trigger guard/grip straps, 85% plus vivid case colors on the frame and hammer, scattered scratches, some patches of oxidation, with smooth gray patina on the balance of the iron showing sharp edges, markings and a distinct cylinder scene. Grip is very good as sanded and refinished, with a chipped absent section visible at the left front edge and scattered scratches and handling marks. Mechanically fine. An attractive example of a scarce Colt Model 1851 U.S. Navy Inspected Richards-Mason conversion revolver that would make a fine addition to any Colt or U.S. military arms collection!