The U.S. government purchased approximately 600 of the 1,000 Adams Navy Model revolvers manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in the late 1850s and early 1860s. This early example has a dovetailed blade front sight, "KERR'S PATENT/APRIL 14. 1857" on the loading lever arm, "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS." on the top strap, notch rear sight, "PATENT/JUNE 3.1856" on the right side of the frame, "15" and "ADAMS PATENT/MAY 3D 1853" on the left side of the frame, "15" on the top of the front strap at the back behind the hammer as well as the left side of the back strap at the top, and "WAT" (William Anderson Thornton) and "LCA" (Lucian C. Allin) cartouches on the sides of the checkered grip.

Very good with traces of blue mixed with mostly a dark brown patina, mild pitting, and moderate overall wear. The grip is very good with crisp checkering, legible cartouches, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is the earliest Adams Navy we have brought to auction.