This unique Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver was reportedly manufactured in the Colt Hartford factory in 1851 for display in the London Great Exhibition of 1851. This is an early Third Model Navy revolver with brass back strap and small rounded brass trigger guard. The hammer spur has bordered and underlined knurling. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "- ADDRESS, COL: COLT LONDON.-" with arrows at either end of the address. The address reads from the breech to the muzzle. Some experts believe that this reversed marking was used on the revolvers displayed at the Great Exhibition to allow the address to be read more easily while the revolvers were on display. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLT'S/PATENT" in two lines; the marking is located near the center of the frame which is characteristic of early London Navy revolvers. The serial number "608" is stamped in small numerals on the cylinder, loading lever and the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The loading lever number is stamped sideways rather than lengthwise which is typical for London Navy revolvers. A small "R" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard and "1" is stamped ahead of the trigger guard screw. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLT'S PATENT NO"and "Engraved by W.L. Ormsby New York.". London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and above each cylinder chamber,

Very good. The revolver has a silver gray patina metal surfaces are generally smooth. The brass back strap and trigger guard retain 30% of the silver-plated finish. The grip is also in very good condition and retains much of the varnish finish. The cylinder retains most of the roll-engraved scene. The cylinder safety pins are battered and there is moderate flash pitting on the percussion nipples and the rear face of the cylinder. All of the markings, serial numbers and proof marks are crisp. The action is crisp and functions well. This is a scarce example of a very early Hartford/London Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with unique barrel address markings.