This is an outstanding example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver manufactured in 1861 with factory Number 2 engraving by Gustave Young or his shop. This early Fourth Model 1851 Navy revolver features a large oval trigger guard, large recoil shield cut-out with no capping channel and dove-tail mounted front sight. The pistol has a silver plated barrel, loading lever, frame, trigger guard and back strap with gold-plated cylinder and hammer. The revolver has a one-piece, checkered, ivory grip. A dot is stamped below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap indicating that revolver was designated by Colt for special finish and handling. The sides of the barrel lug and lower barrel flats are beautifully engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. An eagle's head is engraved in the scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug above the loading lever screw. The engraving covers approximately one third of the barrel, the loading lever flats, the entire frame with the exception of the capping cut-out, the sides and bottom of the trigger guard and the bottom, upper and lower portions of the back-strap. The hammer has a bordered cross-hatch with scrolling, deluxe engraved spur and the sides are engraved with fierce, wolfs-head motif. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" in a panel formed by scalloped engraving with a flourish at the muzzle end. "COLT'S/PATENT" is engraved in a panel formed by scroll work on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Texas Navy scene and "COLT'S PATENT No.". The full serial number, "98220", is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number, "8220". The back-strap is stamped 98242, 22 numbers away from the rest of the gun. We believe this to be a factory error as the grip is matching, numbered and original to this gun.

Very fine. In addition, it is highly unusual to find one with high amounts of original gold and silver finish much less in this serial range, where due to their heavy use during the Civil War period leaves traces of finish at best. Most of the silver plated finish is present on the barrel of this gun which we rate at 95% plus, as it is on the loading lever and rammer. Wear is limited to finish loss on the edges of the barrel and contact points on the loading lever and there is some minor scattered age staining. The cylinder show 70% of the delicate gold-plated finish with wear around the face and nipple cut-outs. Most of the naval scene remains visible with plating filling some of the engraving cuts as is normal. The silver-plated finish is thinning on the contact points of the trigger guard and back strap. The hammer has about 60% of its gold plated finish, the engraving is crisp and deep. The barrel markings and serial numbers are clear. The ivory grip is in fine condition. Wear is limited to a tiny chip on the lower left front edge of the butt and some age discoloration. This is a rare Colt M1851 Navy revolver with original silver and gold plated finish, checkered ivory grip and factory engraving by master engraver Gustave Young or his shop. Original Colt Revolvers with this particular custom finish are exceedingly rare.