This is an example of a civilian Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured during the Civil War in 1863. The "Fourth Model" revolver has the characteristic large trigger guard, thick loading lever catch, and capping channel cut in the recoil shield. The revolver has the high polish Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, casehardened frame, hammer, and loading lever; brass trigger guard and backstrap. Traces of silver plating are visible on protected areas of the trigger guard. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The one piece walnut grip has a varnish finish. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and is marked, "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in a single line of the top flat. The two line "COLTS / PATENT" marking is located on the left front of the frame. "36 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction with the stock and frame. The full serial number, "169059" is located on the barrel, barrel wedge, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. The partial serial number, "9059" is present on the cylinder and cylinder pin. All of the serial numbers match.

Fine. The revolver retains approximately 50% of the original blue on the barrel and traces of casehardened finish on the frame and loading lever. The cylinder has aged to a silver-gray patina and has most of the roll engraved scene intact. The barrel has some light pitting on the muzzle and some scattered dents and scratches on the right side of the lug around the wedge slot. The casehardened finish on the frame and recoil shields is a dove gray with strong colors in protected areas and some silvering on high spots. The loading lever retains most of the casehardened finish with strong colors. Traces of the original silver plating are present on the trigger guard and backstrap, the balance of the brass has a mellow aged patina. The rear face of the cylinder has moderate flash pitting but all of the safety pins are intact. The percussion nipples are replacements. The sides of the hammer and the frame hammer well show moderate flash pitting. All markings are sharp. The grips are very fine and retain about 85% of the varnish with only minor handling wear. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a fine example of a Civil War, Colt Fourth Model 1851 Navy Revolver.