This is an extremely rare example of a Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Squareback trigger guard revolver that was manufactured in 1851. The top of the barrel is marked with the early first style marking "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT'S PATENT No 3546". The barrel lug, muzzle, sides of the loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap are decorated with the early Hartford style scroll engraving. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a fanciful animal head motif and all of the screw heads are decorated with a leaf design. The complete matching serial number is stamped on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The cylinder pin is stamped with the partial serial number "546". The replacement wedge is numbered "3277". A center punch mark is stamped next to the serial number on all the components except the cylinder. The punch mark indicates that the component received special work. The revolver has a blue barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver plated brass trigger guard and back strap. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights and fitted with a one piece highly figured walnut grip.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a gray brown patina with some scattered light pitting on the barrel. The engraving on the barrel shows some wear and the remaining engraving is crisp. The trigger guard and back strap retain 85% of the original silver with an aged patina on the exposed brass. The cylinder retains half of the naval scene. The barrel marking is clear. The grip is good overall with a small chip on the left heel, and some minor wear and tiny nicks on the lower edge. The action functions well. An extremely rare example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1851 squareback revolver with the early pattern engraving.