This Model 1851 was manufactured in 1850 (the first year of production). The Colt "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was designed between 1847 and 1850 and was initially called the Ranger Model. Though the name implies maritime use, most Navy revolvers saw use on dry land. While around 215,348 were manufactured in 1850-1873, only an estimated 800 were manufactured in the First Model configuration! The Model 1851 was well-liked for its intermediate caliber (between the .44 caliber Dragoons and .31 caliber Model 1849 Pocket) and relatively compact size. It was used by a wide array of well-known American heroes and villains including Wild Bill Hickok, "Doc" Holliday, Robert E. Lee, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and a great many others. Many Navies continued to be used in the American West for many years after cartridge models became available. This example has the early style barrel with an non-beveled loading cut out, screw under the wedge, brass post front sight, and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" stamped on top. The left side of the frame has the "COLT'S/PATENT" marking. The cylinder has the naval engagement scene. The trigger guard has the early squareback bow. The matching serial number is marked on the loading lever, barrel lug, wedge, cylinder pin, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and butt of the grip under the back strap. It comes in a factory style hardwood case with a key, W. & C. Eley cap tin, second type Model 1851 Navy bullet mold with "COLTS/PATENT/R/36" on the side of the brass body and healed conical bullet design (correct for "Wedge Over Screw" Navy revolvers pre-serial number 500 per Rapley), assortment of lead bullets, L-shaped combination tool, and a brass powder flask with single side design of a panoply of arms over crossed Paterson revolving rifles, a smaller Colt revolver, and "COLTS PATENT" in a banner. This same flask pattern is pictured and discussed on pages 148 and 149 of "Colt Percussion Accoutrements, 1834-1873" by Rapley and is listed as "the first of the flasks for the 1851 Navy Model . . .This flask is appropriate for the First Model 1851 Navy with the square-back trigger guard, having the screw beneath the wedge."

Fine with 60% plus original silver plating displaying a mix of aged patinas, smooth aged patina on the brass, traces of original blue finish around the wedge and the bottom of the barrel, trace of original case colors, mostly brown patina on the balance, some spots of mild pitting, distinct cylinder scene and other markings, and minor marks and scratches. The grip is also fine and has moderate lower edge wear, some light scrapes and dings, and slight chips at the toe. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has mild storage wear, including staining and fading of the lining. The accessories are very good overall, especially the flask which has distinct designs and attractive aged patina. This is rare opportunity to add a very attractive and original cased First Model Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver complete with a full compliment of original accessories! These do not become available very often!