The Colt Model 1851 Navy was the second most popular of all the Colt percussion revolvers, after only the Model 1849 Pocket, and 215,348 of these revolvers were manufactured in 1850-1873. This early revolver was manufactured in the first year of production and has the distinctive combination of the wedge under the screw and the square-back trigger guard that differentiates the Second Model from the other variations. It has a brass cone front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on the top of the barrel, small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the frame, the standard roll scene on the cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, wedge, frame, and grip straps. The arbor pin does not have a number visible. Some initials starting with "W" are hand inscribed on the butt.

Fair with patches original silver plating in the protected areas, aged patinas on the silver and brass, dark brown patina on most of the steel, mild pitting, worn but mostly distinct markings and cylinder scene, and general scratches and edge wear. The first digit of the cylinder serial number is double struck, and the rear grip strap is renumbered to match the rest of revolver. The re-oiled grip is fair and has moderate edge and handling wear, a deep dent on the left side, and light scratches. Mechanically fine.