This "First Model" London Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1853, the first year of production at Colt's London factory. It is one of the first 500 revolvers built in London from parts shipped over from Hartford. It has a brass cone front sight, "-COL: COLT. LONDON-" on top of the barrel, London proof and view marks on the left ahead of the wedge and alternating between the chambers on the cylinder, "COLT'S/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, silver plated brass grip frame, a "C" on the left side of the trigger guard at the front, "R" on the left side of the front strap, and matching serial number on the loading lever, wedge, barrel, cylinder, cylinder arbor, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and back strap mortise of the grip (handwritten).

Fine with 95% plus of the factory quality refinished blue on the barrel and cylinder, light original case colors mixed with gray patina on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, some minor spotting, flattened cylinder pins, 70% original silver plating on the grip frame showing aged patina, light aged patina on the exposed brass, and minor handling and storage marks. The grip is fine and has some minor dents and scratches, light edge wear, and a deeper dent on the right side near the top. Mechanically excellent. This is an attractive example of the earliest 1851 Navies to leave Colt's London factory.