This is a solid representative example of a rare U.S. Navy issue "Fourth Model" Colt Model 1851 percussion revolver, manufactured in 1858. Most of these Navy issued, also known as "Navy-Navy," examples were converted to metallic cartridge configurations after the Civil War, making unaltered percussion examples particularly rare. Only approximately 2,650 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Navy between June 1856 and September 1859. This revolver has the distinctive iron grip frame with large trigger guard, post front sight, hammer nose rear sight, three-screw frame and percussion cut-out without a capping groove. The top barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-", with "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." on the left of the frame. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval battle scene. All matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, loading lever, cylinder, cylinder pin, wedge and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The iron butt is marked "USN" and the left bottom flat of the grip is stamped with "I/GWR" inspection initials of George W. Rodgers. Includes a modern cloth sleeve, and consignor supplied research and some scanned copies of related articles.

Very good, with mottled brown and gray patina overall, some scattered areas of light pitting, period dings visible around the wedge, and defined markings in the metal including the cylinder scene. Grip is also very good with scattered light dings and scratches, and clearly legible stamps on bottom. Wedge screw is a non-factory replacement. Mechanically fine.