This historic and rare Colt Model 1851 revolver was presented to Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt by Colonel Samuel Colt and features English scroll engraving covering the rear sides and upper barrel flats, the frame, hammer sides, loading lever, bottom of the trigger guard, butt and grip straps. The recoil shields are engraved with a floral pattern and the back strap is engraved "COMODORE VANDERBILT/FRO'M THE INVENTOR". This revolver is pictured in "Colt Engraving" on page 154, pictured and featured in "The Colt Engraving Book" volume I on page 245 and was the subject of a feature article in "Man at Arms", May/June 1993. Cornelius Vanderbilt was an American entrepreneur who built his wealth in shipping and railroads and was the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt controlled 13 railroads and in the 1840s he had 100 steamships. In 1871 he struck up a partnership with the New York and New Haven Railroad to join with the railroads he owned to consolidate operations at one terminal at East 42nd Street called Grand Central Depot. He also funded what now is Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt was very ruthless in his business dealings making very few friends and making many enemies. At the time of his death he disowned all of his sons except for William who was as ruthless as his father. Vanderbilt was also a man of broad vision for his time and was always faithful to a bargain once he had made it. Vanderbilt's worth at the time of his death was $100 million, which equates to about $164 billion in today's money making him the second wealthiest individual in American history after John D. Rockefeller. Two of the most historic figures in American history and giants in their own time, Vanderbilt and Colt knew each other and shared a love for England and of capitalism. Noted author and Colt expert R.L. Wilson said of this revolver "The historic presentation Model 1851 Navy revolver from Colt to Vanderbilt is a landmark artifact in the annals of American history." The top of the barrel is marked "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW - YORK CITY" and "COLTS PATENT" is marked on the left side of the frame in a banner. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval scene as well as "COLTS PATENT 204". The left side of the barrel is marked with a "crown/V" proof and "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proofs appear on the cylinder. All serial numbers match. The revolver is fitted with one piece walnut grips. Complete in it's original oak presentation case with a brass inset plaque on the lid engraved "VANDERBILT" and red velvet lining with the Colt "Directions" sheet affixed to the inside of the lid. In the case is a iron bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT", an "L" shaped wrench/screwdriver, a brown lacquer finished bag shaped James Dixon flask, large Eley Bros. cap tin, partially full, and an original unopened 5 count combustible envelope cartridges. Inscribed London Colt revolvers are extreme rarities and this revolver has the added feature of U.S. historical importance.

Very good. The metal surfaces have an even smooth mottled gray patina. The trigger guard and back strap retain 70% of the original silver plating with the exposed brass having a pleasant aged patina. The cylinder scene is 95% plus clearly visible. The grips are also very good with a few overall scattered minor dents and dings. The engraving and markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The case is very good with some scattered minor dings along the edges. It has been freshened with a coat of varnish and later engraved Vanderbilt on the brass plaque. The lining is good with some frayed and worn edges and contact wear from the revolvers barrel, cylinder and grip edge. The compartment walls are loose and the lid to the one compartment is missing. A huge opportunity to own this extremely rare engraved and factory inscribed presentation Colt Model 1851 Navy presented from one American historical figure to another.