Manufactured in 1856, this is a Model 1851"Army-Navy" revolver in the 42,000-80,000 serial number range, which were purchased by the U.S. Army prior to the Civil War. Revolvers in this serial number range were issued to the 1st and 2nd Cavalry Regiments and were used extensively in campaigns against Native Americans in and prior to the Civil War. These revolvers also saw service during the Civil War and saw additional service on the Frontier after being sold as surplus. The barrel has the one-line New York City address, the frame has "COLTS/PATENT/U.S.," the cylinder has the naval battle scene, and the grip has "LCA" (left) and "RHTCW" (right) cartouches. Matching numbers are found on the frame, barrel, grip straps, loading lever, cylinder, wedge and arbor pin.

Very good. Scattered traces of original blue finish and case colors remain in the protected areas, otherwise the revolver has a mottled brown-gray patina. Most of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is also very good showing some high edge wear, a few long scratches and some minor handling marks. The cartouches are faint, but legible. Mechanically fine. This is a solid representative example of a desirable martially inspected Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver!