This factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver was manufactured in 1859. This Fourth Model Navy Revolver has the distinctive large rounded trigger guard, beveled loading cut-out and recoil shield with no capping cut-out. The revolver has a dovetail mounted, nickel-silver front sight blade and ivory grips. The barrel has a commercial blue finish; the brass trigger guard and back strap have a silver-plated finish. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT'S PATENT No.". "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is stamped along the edge of the cylinder. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" in a single line. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The full serial number, "90612" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "0612". All of the visible serial numbers match. An apostrophe is stamped below the serial number on the frame, trigger guard and back strap and above the serial number on the barrel lug. The apostrophe was one of the marks used by Colt between 1854 and 1861 to identify a revolver with factory engraving and ivory grips. The revolver is decorated with the Germanic scroll and punch-dot engraving executed by master engraver Gustave Young or his shop. The engraving covers the rear third of the barrel and lug, the loading lever flats, the bottom and edges of the trigger guard, the entire frame and hammer and the heel and upper portion of the back strap. The left side of the barrel lug has a Young's trademark wolf's head engraved in the scroll work above the loading lever screw and the sides of the hammer are engraved with Young's wolf head motif. Documents with the revolver state that it was owned by the Halliday family and captured by a Major Halliday from Confederate General Benjamin F. Cheatham at the battle of Shiloh on April 6-7, 1862. Records show the General B.F. Cheatham fought at Shiloh and was wounded in that battle. However, although wounded at Shiloh, Cheatham was not captured continued to command Confederate troops in the field until he surrendered to General W.T. Sherman in April 1865.

Very good plus. The revolver is completely original and retains 20% of the original blue and casehardened finish in protected areas. The metal has been lightly cleaned and has aged to an attractive silver-gray patina. The barrel, loading lever and frame are free form pitting. The cylinder retains most of the roll-stamped battle scene and has light to moderate flash pitting on the rear face and percussion nipples. The cylinder safety pins are battered. The brass trigger guard and back strap have 40% of the silver-plated finish, the balance has an attractive patina. The engraving is crisp and deep. All of the markings are sharp. The ivory grip has yellowed from with age and has hairline stress cracks at the heel and several minor hairline cracks in the sides but is free from chips or other damage. The grip is in good-very good condition, This is an attractive example of a historic Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with factory engraving by Gustave Young and factory ivory grip.