This is an extraordinary example of a U.S. contract Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1856. This revolver is one of the 16,962 Model 1851 Navy revolvers purchased by the Ordnance Department between 1855 and 1859. Many of these revolvers were issued to the newly formed 1st and 2nd Cavalry Regiments. This Third Model Navy revolver has a small rounded oval brass trigger guard and loading lever screws that enter the barrel lug from the left side and beveled loading lever cut-out. The barrel and cylinder have a military blue finish. The loading lever, frame and hammer are casehardened and the trigger guard and back strap are brass. The one piece walnut grip is oil finished. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-". The cylinder is roll-engraved and roll-stamped with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLT'S PATENT No. 62912" and "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843." around the forward edge. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. Single letter "S" and "B" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the barrel, cylinder, back strap and trigger guard. An "M" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard and "L" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. A small "A" is stamped on the left heel of the grip. An Ordnance sub-inspection mark that consists of three script initials bordered by a rectangle with rounded ends is stamped on the lower left side of the grip. The Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the block initials "RHKW" in a rectangle is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. The full serial number "62912" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number, "2912" is stamped on the loading lever, wedge and cylinder arbor pin. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Excellent. The revolver is completely original and retains 95% plus of the military blue and casehardened finish. The case colors on the frame, hammer and loading lever are vivid. The frame, trigger guard and loading lever screws are excellent and most of the fiery nitre blue finish remains. The brass trigger guard and back strap have an attractive un-polished patina. Wear is limited to some very minor finish loss on the barrel edges, some turn marks on the cylinder and minor takedown dents around the right side of the wedge slot. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder are free from flash pitting. The cylinder safety pins are also excellent. The grip is excellent with a few insignificant handling and storage marks. All of the markings on the barrel, frame, cylinder and trigger guard are extremely sharp. The ordnance final and sub-inspection marks on the grips show remain excellent. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Contract Model 1851 Army/Navy revolver. These weapons typically saw extensive use on the frontier in the 1850s and continued in service throughout the Civil War. Examples in as-issued condition like this revolver are extremely scarce and would be extremely difficult to improve upon.