Factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with a copy of a Colt factory letter that states the revolver was shipped to "Cooper & Pond, New York, New York" on November 18, 1862. The 4th Model Navy Revolver has the characteristic large rounded trigger guard, capping channel in the recoil shield cut-out and thin contour loading lever catch. The revolver has a blued barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame, hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece, fancy walnut grips have a high gloss varnish finish. The barrel is fitted with German Silver front sight blade mounted in a dovetail at the muzzle. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in an engraved panel. "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.". "C" is stamped on the left rear of the trigger guard bow. An "E" that indicates the revolver was designated for special handling, polish and finish is stamped next to the full serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "2993" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is factory engraved with Germanic scroll work on a punch-dot background by master engraver Gustave Young. The hammer is engraved with the Young's characteristic wolf head motif. The engraving is very similar to the embellishment on this Model 1851 Navy revolver 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 revolver has a factory mahogany, English style case with five compartments and purple velvet lining. The case is complete with: (1) a tin of Eley Bros. percussion caps with green paper label, (2) a blued, iron, double cavity mold for balls and conical bullets marked "D" on the bottom of the right leg, (3) combination nipple wrench/screw-driver, (4) 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 (5) a package of "Hazards Combustible Cartridges".

Very fine. The revolver retains at least 70% of the original blue and 50% case hardened finish. The barrel has most of the high polish blue with light finish wear at the muzzle and barrel edges. The cylinder has about 40% of the blue finish and 95% of the roll-engraved battle scene. 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 have more than 90% of the original casehardened finish with bright case colors. The trigger guard and back strap have traces of the silver-plated finish and the brass has a mellow, aged, patina. The scroll engraving is deep and crisp. All of the markings are sharp. The fancy, highly figured walnut grip has had varnish added with nearly all of the period applied high gloss varnish finish and minimal storage and handling marks. The action is fine. The exterior of the mahogany case is in excellent condition and shows only minimal storage and handling wear. The velvet lining is in very good condition. The lining on the lid has not faded and shows little 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 in very good condition with moderate wear. The cartridge packet has been opened but retains the original cartridges. This is a very fine example of a factory Gustave Young engraved and cased Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver .