This factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured c. 1859. The barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap are stamped with an apostrophe above or below the serial number. This mark was used by Colt between 1854-1861 to denote the presence of engraving and a special grip. The barrel, sides of the loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap are decorated with well-executed Germanic scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. A realistic and well-detailed hound's head is incorporated in the scroll work on the left side of the barrel lug; the sides of the hammer are engraved with a hound's head motif. The engraving appears to have been done by Georg Sterzing who engraved for Colt in 1859 and whose work is illustrated on pages 89-103 of "COLT FACTORY ENGRAVERS" by Herbert G. Houze. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT." in one line in an engraved panel with a flourish at the muzzle end. "COLTS/PATENT" is engraved on the left side of the frame in an oval formed by scrollwork. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLTS PATENT No." and 'ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843". The full serial number is stamped on the: (1) barrel lug, (2) frame, (3) trigger guard, (4) back strap, and (5) cylinder. The partial serial number, "1842" is stamped on the: (1) wedge, (2) loading lever and (3) cylinder pin. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the early Fourth Model features which include: (1) large oval trigger guard, (2) thin loading lever catch, (3) large capping cut-out with no channel and (4) beveled loading cut-out. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted front sight with nickel-silver blade. The hammer has bordered knurling on the spur. The barrel and cylinder are blued, the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened and the brass trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The revolver has a one-piece grip.

Very good plus. This revolver is all original and retains strong traces of the blue, casehardened and silver-plated finish. The barrel, cylinder, loading lever, frame and hammer have a dark patina with traces of blue or casehardened finish in protected areas. The brass trigger guard and back strap retain 40% of the silver-plated finish. Metal surfaces are smooth with sharp edges. The flawlessly executed Germanic scroll engraving is deep and crisp. The barrel legend, patent markings and serial numbers are sharp. The cylinder has most of the roll-engraved battle scene intact. There is light flash pitting on the front and rear face of the cylinder and on the percussion nipples. The cylinder safety pins are battered. The grip is in good overall condition with an attractive patina and minimal shrinkage. The grip has a repaired crack on the left side running parallel to the back strap. The action functions fine, but is slightly loose. This is a solid representative example of a desirable, factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver.