The Model 1851 Navy is one of the most significant firearms in the history of Colt firearms and was the second most popular of all Colt percussion firearms after only the Model 1849 Pocket, and shared the longest production run of 1850-1873 with the latter. This early Navy was manufactured in 1850, the first year of production, and has the standard features for the Second Model which has the wedge under the screw unlike the First Model and retains the squareback trigger guard of the First Model. Only approximately 3,000 of these revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured given the serial number range of 1250-4200 includes some of the early Third Model revolvers. It has matching serial numbers, including in the back strap mortise of the grip (faint).

Very good with 40% original silver plating remaining on the grip straps, aged patina on the brass and silver, a mix of mostly gray and brown patina on the balance, light pitting concentrated on the cylinder, and mild overall wear. The reoiled grip is also very good and has smooth oiled surfaces, some small nicks, a few dents, and a very slight chip at the toe on the right. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is a solid representative example of a first year Colt Second Model 1851 Navy.