Manufactured in 1863. This Fourth Model Navy revolver has a rounded trigger guard, thin loading lever catch and channel in the recoil shield capping cut-out. The revolver is factory engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a wolf's head motif. A small "E" is stamped next to the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap which indicates that the components were designated by Colt for engraving and special finishing. The barrel, loading lever, frame, trigger guard and back strap are silver plated and the cylinder and hammer are gold plated. The revolver is fitted with a one piece ivory grip; the left side of the grip is raised relief carved with the bust of General Grant. The left side of the barrel is inscribed "M-G-HODNETTE" using zig zag engraving. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the legend "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in an engraved panel with scalloped borders and a flourish on the muzzle end. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll stamped on the left side of the frame in an engraved panel. "36 CAL" is roll stamped on the left front trigger guard bow and "1" is stamped on the left rear bow. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO". The full serial number "147681" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "7681" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder. The revolver is complete with an American style mahogany case with four compartments lined with purple velvet. The case contains numerous lead .36 caliber round balls and conical bullets, blue steel double cavity bullet mold stamped "COLTS/PATENT" on the spruce cutter and "36P" on the right block, unmarked flat sided brass capper with chain and a steel cleaning rod with threaded end.

Very fine overall. The silver plated finish on the barrel, frame and lever is tarnished and remains 85%. The Colt silver plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap is 30% intact. Most of the gold plated finish is present on the cylinder and hammer with some flaking on the edges of the cylinder. The factory engraving is crisp. The inscription on barrel is a later addition. The slightly undersized ivory grip is very fine with sharp details on the relief carved bust. The case is fair. The inside of the case bottom has a break under the pistol butt and a crude period repaired patch in the lining under the cylinder. The lining is dirty, faded and torn in several places. The bullet mold is the only Colt accessory; it retains about 80% of the blue finish but has numerous dents and scratches on the sides. The capper is very good. This is a very fine example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with a spectacular grip!