This revolver was manufactured in 1856 and engraved in the classic style of Gustave Young, more than likely executed by one of his employees. His shop was responsible for most "factory engraved" Colts in 1854 to 1869 as Colt's main engraving contractors. The factory engraving dot marking is by the main locations. It has the "U.S." marking below "COLTS/PATENT" on the left suggesting the revolver was originally meant to fill an order with the U.S. Ordnance Department. Colt was not one to waste parts or functional guns. Given it has a shorter than standard barrel, perhaps there was a flaw near the muzzle that required shortening the barrel and then it was sent off for engraving. The Germanic scroll engraving is inhabited by one of Young's distinctive animal head designs above the loading lever screw on the left and has the wolf head motif on the hammer. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on top. "2" is marked on the left side of the barrel lug, and "1" and "G" are on the left side of the trigger guard. The "2" and "G" have been engraved over. The hammer has a deeper groove for sighting. Matching partial or full serial numbers are stamped on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt. The "3843" is also hand scratched on the front strap, and "843" is in dark ink in the rear mortise of the grip.

Fine with 95% plus original silver plating on the grip straps showing lightly aged patina, crisp engraving, mottled gray and brown patina on the iron, some minor pitting, and general mild wear. The grip is also fine and has some subtle figure, glossy original varnish, mild edge wear, and small dents and scrapes. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and interesting factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy from the antebellum era.