This is an extraordinary example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1857. This revolver has the Third Model Navy features which include: (1) small rounded trigger guard, (2) loading lever screws that enter from the left side, (3) beveled loading cut-out in the barrel lug and (4) recoil shield with no capping channel. This revolver falls within the serial number range of the 18,250 Model 1851 Navy revolvers purchased by the Ordnance Department for the Army between 1857 and 1858. These Army/Navy revolvers had a subdued military blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, casehardened hammer, frame and loading lever and brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece walnut grips had a oil finish. This revolver has the standard Army/Navy finish with single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap and grips. "U.S." is stamped in small letters on the left side of the frame beneath the two-line "COLTS/PATENT" marking. The grip is not stamped with Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection mark on the left and right heel. Lack of these markings may indicate that this revolver was a contract over-run gun. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" in one line. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No.". "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is roll-engraved around the front edge of the cylinder. The full serial number "70222" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "0222". All of the visible serial numbers match.