A unique piece, this is a late 3rd Model Navy revolver, factory outfitted with a short barrel and factory engraved by Gustave Young, circa 1856. Cone front and hammer groove rear sights, with the one line New York City address on the top flat of the barrel, Ormsby's "Texas Navy" scene on the cylinder, and "COLTS/ PATENT" on the left side of the frame. The loading lever is properly shortened, terminating just before the end of the barrel. Engraving on the barrel, loading lever and frame is near full coverage punch dot backed scrollwork, with floral accents, a dog's head on the left side of the barrel immediately above the loading lever screw, and Young's signature wolf head motif on the sides of the hammer. Additional scroll engraving is present on the trigger guard and backstrap, with a bordered panel on the backstrap suitable for inscription and a silver plate added to the butt, covering and protecting the grips, with "Sime" signed in the center. "Sime" has not been identified at this time. Grips are smooth one piece ivory, with the inscriptions "Wm J . Whitney" on the left side of the butt and "Capt. F. B. Schaeffer" on the right side. Military records show a Captain F.B. Schaeffer as a veteran of the Mexican American War, as well as Captain of the Marion Rifles, a California Volunteer Division active from 1852 until 1861, when the unit was disbanded. These inscriptions are covered by aforementioned silver plate. Matching numbers are present on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and cylinder, with an apostrophe next to the barrel, frame and trigger guard numbers, the factory earmark for a revolver to be engraved and fitted with an ivory grip. Included with the revolver is a half flap/open bottom holster that appears to have been made specifically for this pistol, constructed from medium russet skirting leather with glove leather lining and decorated in hand-sewn Mexican style foliate embroidery. The holster has a belt loop reinforced by a single copper rivet and a brass finial on the body to secure the flap.

Very good, showing a medium grey patina on the steel components, with deep and crisp engraving and 90% of the original Texas Navy scene. The cylinder and percussion nipples have light-moderate flash pitting and the safety pins are battered. Nearly half of the original silver plated finish remains, with a dark patina overall and aged brass most visible on the underside of the guard and the backstrap towards the bottom. The silver plate on the butt has scattered light scratches and the inscription is faint. Grips are excellent, with some minor chips and attractive grain and color. The holster is fine, with some scattered edge wear, some flexing on the top of the flap, loss of the liner, tight stitching and solid embroidery. This is an outstanding example of a pre-Civil War deluxe Gustave Young engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with California Military associations.