Colt Model 1851 Navy-Navy revolver manufactured c. 1859. This Fourth Model Navy-Navy revolver has the distinctive iron back strap and large oval iron trigger guard, large recoil shield cut-out with no capping groove, and thin loading lever latch. "U.S." is stamped in small letters on the left side of the frame beneath the "COLTS/PATENT" markings. The butt is stamped "USN." and the left grip heel is boldly marked with the U.S. Navy "I/GWR" (Captain George M. Ransom, U.S.N.) inspection mark. The top of the barrel is roll stamped "- ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT-". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO." The forward edge of the cylinder is roll engraved "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843". The full serial number, "89361" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number "9361" is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The U.S. Navy purchased approximately 600 Model 1851 Navy-Navy revolvers from Colt in September 1859. As a result of service in the Civil War and the subsequent cartridge alteration of approximately 1,200 percussion U.S. Navy Model 1851 percussion revolvers by Colt between 1873 and 1876 original configuration Fourth Model 1851 Navy-Navy percussion revolvers are very scarce.

Very good. The revolver has a smooth dark brown patina on the barrel, lever, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. Metal surfaces are generally smooth with scattered minor dents and scratches on the edges of the barrel. The barrel and frame markings are clear. The cylinder retains 95% or more of the roll engraved naval scene. The cylinder safety pins are battered and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder have moderate flash pitting. The hammer screw and the trigger guard screw are period replacements. The walnut grip is very good; wear is limited to a few shallow dents concentrated mostly on the butt. The Navy "I/GWR" inspection marks are crisp. The action is tight and functions well but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a very attractive original example of a scarce U.S. Navy Contract Fourth Model 1851 Navy-Navy revolver.