Manufactured in 1889 as part of a 5,000 gun contract for the U.S. Navy. The Model 1889 Navy revolver is historically significant as both the first Colt double action with a swing out cylinder and the first double action revolver adopted by the U.S. military. The revolver has a blue finish with smooth, two-piece walnut grips. The frame, cylinder latch, cylinder, crane and barrel are stamped with a five-pointed star with a "C" in the center sub-inspector's marking from the 1889 contract. This is one of the less than 400 revolvers that were not returned to Colt between 1896 and 1900 for refinishing and conversion to the Model 1895 cylinder locking system. This revolver maintains its original 1889 contract configuration. The revolver butt is roll stamped "U.S.N./Anchor/.38D.A./No/2564/P/W.W.K./1889" in eight lines. The top of the barrel is rollstamped with the two-line Hartford address and "1884" and "1888" patent dates. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and underside of the barrel. The assembly number "2320" is stamped on the cylinder latch, rear face of the cylinder, inside of the frame, crane and on the bottom of the barrel. All of the visible assembly numbers match.

Very good as refinished. The revolver shows moderate wear and retains nearly 60% of the blue finish. The blue is fading to a dull, plum colored patina. The blue finish is thin on the bottom of the trigger guard, grip straps, butt and muzzle. The grips show moderate-heavy handling wear with scattered, minor, nicks and scratches. The barrel, frame and cylinder markings are clear. The action functions well. This is a solid representative example of a scarce and historically significant Colt Model 1889 Navy D.A. revolver. This revolver is a key piece in any comprehensive collection of Colt revolvers or U.S. martial arms.