This is a very nice example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver manufactured in 1862. This 4th Model Navy Revolver has the characteristic large round trigger guard, capping channel in the recoil shield cut-out and thin contour loading lever catch. The barrel is fitted with German silver front sight blade mounted in a dovetail at the muzzle. The top barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in an engraved panel and "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame surrounded by engraved scroll work. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No.2993". A "C" is stamped on the left rear of the trigger guard bow and an "E" is stamped above or below the serial number which indicates the revolver was designated for special finish or engraving at the factory. The complete serial number "132993" is located on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "2993" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder, and "32993" on the wedge and arbor pin. The revolver is factory engraved with Germanic scroll work on a punch-dot background by Master Engraver Gustave Young. The hammer is engraved with Youngs characteristic wolf head motif. The engraving is very similar to the embellishment on the Model 1851 Navy Revolver, serial number "132969/E", illustrated on page 139 of "THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK", Volume One by R.L. Wilson and described by Wilson as "modified Gustave Young scroll style". The engraving coverage is what Wilson describes as "Style number 2 engraving". The barrel and cylinder are finished blue, silver plated grip frame and casehardened remaining parts. The revolver is fitted with a smooth nicely figured fancy one-piece varnished walnut grip. The revolver comes in a factory English style mahogany case with five compartments and purple velvet lining. In the case is an Eley Bros. cap tin (partially full), blue iron double cavity bullet mold for balls and conical bullets marked "D" on the bottom of the right leg, combination nipple wrench/screw-driver, brass American Flask & Cap Co. Coat of Arms pattern powder flask with fixed charger embossed with crossed revolvers, stars, eagle with crossed flags and a cannon and a package of combustible envelope cartridges, (partially open).

Very fine. The revolver retains at least 70% of the original blue and 50% casehardened finish. The barrel has most of the high polish blue remaining with light finish wear at the muzzle and edges. The cylinder retains 40% of the original blue finish with 95% of the battle scene visible. All of the cylinder pins are intact and flash pitting on the nipples and rear face of the cylinder is minimal. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 90% plus original bright case colors. The trigger guard and back strap have a very pleasant mellow aged patina with traces of original silver plating in the protected areas. The engraving is deep and crisp. All of the markings are sharp. The grip has had varnish added with nearly all of the period applied high gloss varnish remaining, showing some light storage and handling marks. The action is fine. The exterior of the case is excellent showing only minimal storage and handling wear. The velvet lining is very good. The lining on the lid shows minimal contact wear. The lining in the case is slightly faded and has compression marks and oil stains from the revolver cylinder and some minor tears from the front sight blade. The flask, mold, tool and cap tin are all very good with moderate wear. The cartridge packet has been opened but retains the original cartridges. This is a very fine example of a cased factory Gustave Young engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver.