This is a very fine original example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured during the Civil War in 1863. The revolver has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, color casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece walnut grip is varnished and has the high polish "piano finish". The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No". The revolver has the Middle Fourth Model large rounded trigger guard, capping channel in the recoil shield cut-out and thin contour loading lever catch. The barrel has a brass cone front sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines. The left shoulder of the trigger guard is stamped "31 CAL" over-stamped with "36 CAL". "36 CAL" is also stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. "2" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The full serial number, "142322" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "2322" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers were popular sidearms for both Federal and Confederate officers during the Civil War.

Very fine. The barrel has 70% plus original blue finish with some patches of flaking on the top and sides of the barrel. The cylinder retains 80% of the original blue finish. The cylinder scene and Colt markings are crisp. The frame, loading lever and hammer have 85% of the original casehardened finish with fiery case colors. About 30% of the delicate silver plated finish is present on the protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap. The exposed brass has a very attractive, un-polished patina. The grip is in excellent condition and retains most of the original high-polish varnish finish. Wear is limited to some minor finish loss on the left heel. All of the cylinder safety pins are intact and the percussion nipples show minimal flash pitting. The action is crisp and functions fine. This is both a very fine and attractive example of a Civil War production Colt Fourth Model 1851 Navy revolver.