Manufactured in 1856 as part of an Ordnance Department contract for 18,252 revolvers. The Colt "Army/Navy" revolvers were manufactured between 1855 and 1859 and fall within the 42,000-80,000 serial number range. The initial issue of the "Army/Navy" revolvers was to the 1st and 2nd Cavalry regiments which were organized in 1855. The "Army/Navy" revolvers were first used on the Texas frontier and subsequently saw wide service with federal cavalry regiments during the Civil War. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT". The top barrel flat has the New York City address. The left side of the frame is stamped with a small "U.S." property mark beneath "COLTS/PATENT." A "K" Ordnance Sub-Inspection marks is stamped on the left heel of the stock, left shoulder of the trigger guard, left shoulder of the back strap, cylinder, and left side of the barrel lug. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's script initials "LCA" and the lower right side of the stock is stamped with the Ordnance final inspectors script initials "RHKW." "P" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The full serial number "50837" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. The partial serial number "0837" is stamped on the loading lever, wedge, and cylinder pin. Due to extensive frontier service and wide use during the Civil War Model 1851 "Army/Navy" revolvers are very rarely found with substantial amounts of original finish.

Very fine. The barrel has 60% of the original blue finish with high point wear and scattered age spotting. The balance of the military blue has aged slightly to an attractive plum patina. The cylinder retains nearly all of the Texas Navy scene and has aged to a blue-brown patina. All of the cylinder safety pins, remain and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show minimal flash pitting. The loading lever, hammer and frame have 50% plus of the subdued case colors. The trigger guard and back strap remain in fine overall with a few scattered handling marks. The grip is nicely figured and remains very fine. The factory markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are crisp. The Ordnance sub-inspection marks on the major components are sharp and both of the inspection marks on the grip are fully legible. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a pre-Civil War Colt Model 1851 "Army/Navy" revolver that is difficult to find in this very fine original condition.