Manufactured circa 1850s, the only visible marking is gold inlaid circled Japanese characters on the top of the barrel near the breech end. The sides of the barrel lug, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and grip frame are engraved with a fine vine and leaf pattern. The revolver is equipped with a sharp cone front and hammer notch rear sights. It has a Navy type loading lever, small loading cutout without a capping groove, and all iron parts. It has the small round trigger guard and is fitted with smooth one piece rosewood grips. The revolver is accompanied by a letter on Jackson Arms stationary dated May 3, 1955 explaining the Japanese characters on the revolver. Writer was unable to locate any such characters even upon disassembling the revolver. It is speculated that the revolver was a copy of the Colt Model 1851 Navy after Commodore Matthew C. Perry arrived in Japan on July 10, 1853 and met with the Emperor who he presented with gifts including 4 Colt revolvers.

Good. The metal surfaces have been cleaned at some time and have a gray patina with some scattered pin prick type pitting. The nipples and some screws are replacements. All of the gold inlay remains and the marking is clear. The grips are very good with a few overall scattered minor dings and dents. The engraving remains clear. The action is fine. Purchased at the Missoula Show in 2000 and part of the Will Hoffeld collection.