This is an exceptional example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1852. The revolver has the distinctive Third Model features which include a small rounded trigger guard, loading lever screws on the right side, thin barrel lug, and V-type non-beveled loading cut out. The frame has a large capping cut out in the recoil shield with no capping channel. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel and cylinder. The loading lever, frame and hammer are casehardened, and the brass back strap and trigger guard have a silver plated finish. The one piece grip is highly figured select walnut with a high polish piano finish. The revolver was factory engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young with what would later be identified as "Style No.2 Engraving". Gustave Young was first employed by Colt in 1852. Style No. 2 engraving features highly detailed Germanic scrollwork on the barrel, sides of the loading lever, hammer, frame, bottom of the trigger guard, back strap, ends of the wedge, and major screws. Gustave Young's trademark animal head is engraved in the scrollwork on the left recoil shield. The sides of the hammer are engraved with Young's wolf head motif. A dot located above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap indicates that these components were designated by the factory for engraving and special finish. The top of the barrel is roll stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-". The address is enclosed in a hand engraved panel composed of scallops and punch dots. "COLT'S/PATENT" is hand engraved in an arc on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "Engraved by W.L. Ormsby New York", "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" and "COLTS PATENT NO". The complete matching serial number "16790" is stamped on the bottom of the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The wedge is stamped with the partial serial number "790", and the arbor pin is numbered "6790". The revolver is complete with a mahogany American style case with six compartments lined with purple velvet. The case contains a combination L-shaped screwdriver/nipple wrench, brass straight leg duel cavity .36 caliber bullet mold for balls and conical bullets marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, American Flask & Cap wreath, dog and bird flask with adjustable charger, tin of UMC percussion caps and assortment of .36 caliber lead pistol balls. Also included is a small card, which is hand marked "Presented to Ed Waln/by Saml G.C. Stewart Sgw/June.1 1857". No additional information was provided relating to Waln or Stewart, but they appear to be lawyer Edward Waln (1811-1887) and businessman Samuel G.C. Stewart (1820-1888), both from Philadelphia. This revolver is one of the earliest Gustave Young engraved Colt firearms.

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% of the bright original high polish blue, casehardened and silver plated finish. Most of the high polish blue finish on the barrel remains with some minor edge wear and scattered age spotting. The cylinder has 70% of the blue finish and 95% of the roll engraved scene. Finish wear is primarily on the rear of the cylinder. The percussion nipples have moderate flash pitting. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 90% of the case colors; the hammer has only very minimal flash pitting. Nearly 95% of silver plating is present on the trigger guard and back strap; wear is limited to some light tarnish. The flawlessly executed Germanic scrollwork is crisp and deep. The barrel and frame markings, cylinder scene and serial numbers are sharp. The select walnut grip is excellent and retains 90% of the varnished piano finish; wear is limited to some minor finish loss on the right side of the grip. The case exterior is good overall with light-moderate handling wear on the lid and sides. The interior is fair. The lining on the lid has light to moderate fading with some compression marks from contact with the revolver. The lining on the case bottom and partitions is faded, worn and dusty with deep compression marks from the revolver and accessories. The bullet mold and screwdriver are correct for the casing and are very good overall. The powder flask is contemporary to the revolver and is very good but not correct for a factory cased Colt Model 1851 Navy. The Remington/UMC cap tin dates from the late 19th century and is not original to the casing. The card is fair, with some edge tattering and a small tear in the center. This is an excellent example of a very early Gustave Young deluxe factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with factory case.