The U.S. Navy contracted 5,000 of Colt Model 1889 revolvers and out of the 5,000 there were 4,637 that were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver is one of the 363 that escaped the conversion and remained unaltered. The top of the barrel has the two line address/patent dates (1884, 1888) marking. The rear of the cylinder is marked with a star, the letter "P" and the assembly number "637" and the front cylinder face is stamped with the number "940" (These all correspond in an odd combination). The number "637" is repeated on the inside of the frame and crane. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the numbers "637" and "940". The butt is stamped "U.S.N./[anchor]/38DA/No/627/P/W.W.K./1889". The left side of the frame at the rear is stamped with a Colt six-point rework star. The trigger guard is stamped with the letter "G" on the left side and a Colt six-point rework star on the right side for the factory added hammer (notch cut top rear frame)Fitted with smooth grips numbered to the gun.

Very fine as factory reworked. The revolver retains 70% factory blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina showing holster wear on the barrel. The grips are very good with a period added wood repair on the right rear panel and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically fine. One will look a long time to find another example of one of these U.S.N. M1889 Revolvers!