Originally manufactured in 1861, this is an example of a conversion of a Model 1861 Navy percussion revolver. The conversion is the same as the Richards-Mason conversion done on the Model 1860 Army revolvers. It consists of plugging the loading lever hole and attaching of an ejector housing by a screw running through the left side of the barrel lug, modification of the cylinder, (identical to the 1851 Navy), a centerfire firing pin attached through a center slot on the face of the hammer, installation of a breech plate (so called Third Model) without integral rear sight, and a loading gate attached by a screw through a hole in the base of the gate; the gate is held open or shut by a flat spring screwed to the frame. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA-", the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two July patent dates, and the cylinder is roll engraved with the naval engagement scene and marked "COLTS PATENT NO 993". The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked "38 CAL." The complete matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap; the wedge is numbered "993", and the loading gate is numbered "427. Writer was unable to remove the barrel to check the cylinder pin number. Blade front (filed down) and hammer notch rear sights, nickel finish with silver plated brass trigger guard and back strap and fitted with a smooth varnished one-piece walnut grip.

Excellent with 90% plus nickel and silver finish remaining with some minor flaking on the grip straps and wear on the recoil shields. The ejector rod housing has a smooth gray patina with a small amount of nickel in protected areas. The grip is good with some lower edge wear and a number of minor dents. The cylinder scene is clearly visible, and all of the markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.