This Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1853. The revolver has the small oval brass trigger guard and brass back strap found on the earliest production London Navy revolvers. The top barrel flat is marked "- .ADDRESS COL: COLT. LONDON.-" with arrows at either end in a panel formed by fine double line engraving. "COLTS PATENT" is hand engraved on a flowing ribbon on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" and "COLTS PATENT No." London "Crown/V" and "Crown/CP" proofs and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and on the cylinder between chambers. The full serial number is stamped on the loading lever, cylinder, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. A small punch mark used by the Colt factory to designate parts intended for engraving or special finish is stamped above or below the serial number on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel, sides and bottom of the loading lever, end of the wedge, frame, trigger guard, hammer and back strap are engraved with delicate English style scrollwork on a lined background. The barrel, cylinder, and trigger are blued, and the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened. The brass grip straps are silver plated. The one-piece grip is select burl walnut. The revolver is complete with a London style oak case with scalloped brass escutcheon plate and brass screws on the lid. The interior has six compartments and is lined with dark green velvet. A Colt instruction sheet for loading and cleaning the revolver is glued to the inside of the lid. The case contains: (1) steel cleaning rod with metal head, (2) L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, (3) iron straight leg double cavity bullet mold stamped "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, (4) 250 count tin of Eley percussion caps with green paper label and (5) bag shaped powder flask with brown lacquer body, gold-plated top and adjustable charger marked "COLTS NAVY FLASK" and "JAMES DIXON/& SONS/SHEFFIELD".

Very good plus. The revolver is all original and retains most of the silver plated finish on the trigger guard and significant amounts of silver plating on the back strap. Traces of blue and casehardened finish are visible on protected areas of the components; most of the barrel, lever, cylinder, frame and hammer have a smooth, steel gray patina with scattered age discoloration. The cylinder has 90% of the naval scene and some scattered light pitting. The delicate English scroll engraving is crisp. The Colt markings, serial numbers and proofmarks are all sharp. There is light flash pitting on the sides of the hammer and rear face of the cylinder. The grip remains is fine with most of the high polish varnish, wear is limited to a few minor handling marks. The action functions fine. The case exterior is good with moderate handling wear and no repairs. The case interior is good. The lining is dark and shows moderate wear with compression marks from contact with the flask and revolver and a few tears in the fabric from the front sight and hammer spur. The instruction label is stained and torn along the lower edge. The case is missing the lid that covers the compartment that contains the cleaning rod head and lacks the pewter oil bottle found in London Colt cases. The screwdriver/nipple wrench, bullet mold and powder flask all appear original to the case and remain in very good overall condition. The cap tin is very good. This is an attractive example of an early Factory Cased and Engraved Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolver.