This is an extremely rare, very early Colt Model 1889 "38 D.A." revolver manufactured in approximately 1889 under contract for the US Navy. It has the standard 6 inch barrel with the top roll-stamped with the two-line Colt Hartford address and 1884 and 1888 with No caliber designation on the barrel, indicating that this is an extremely early Colt production revolver. The butt is properly roll-stamped: "U.S.N./Naval Anchor/.38D.A./No./297/P/W.W.K./1889". The underside of the barrel, the frame, cylinder, cylinder crane and cylinder latch all have the same matching assembly number of "314". The back side of the cylinder, the cylinder latch and the frame are all stamped with a very small Colt inspectors proof mark of a five pointed star with no letter inside. It is fitted with smooth walnut grips that have the same matching assembly number "314" written in pencil on the back sides of each grip. The revolver has a beautiful Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel, frame and cylinder, with the hammer having a fire blue top surfaces with bright polished sides and with an all nitre blued trigger. This revolver is accompanied by a very rare, all original US Navy Model 1905 Mills woven cartridge belt and holster. These holsters and belts were manufactured and issued on a very limited, experimental basis from 1905-1911 with the thought of converting from the standard leather holster and belt to the woven canvas material, which did not happen until WWI. Both the belt and holster are black in color and have the original US Navy "Eagle/Anchor" emblem or motif on the face of the snaps and belt buckle.

Excellent with 98% of the original blue finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear. The grips are also excellent with a nice dark matching brown color overall showing minor handling marks in the wood. The Navy Mills holster and belt are also both excellent plus with 99% of the dyed black color. The snaps and closures are all excellent. Mechanically the revolver is excellent, except the lock up is slightly loose. A beautiful all original and unaltered early production US Navy contract Colt Model 1889 revolver with a scarce Model 1905 Navy pattern Mills woven holster and cartridge belt. This example is the finest known of its' type.