This is a very scarce representative example of an iron grip frame. Third Variation Colt Model 1851 Navy that was manufactured in 1853. Includes a scan of a page from the chapter "Navies with Small Iron Trigger guards" that lists this revolver's serial number as the first of the known low serial number small iron trigger guard Model 1851 Navy revolvers. The survey lists only 45 of these pre-serial number 30000 small iron trigger guard variants and 650 of the later variants (40938-80160). It has a period dovetailed blade front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on top of the barrel, the standard Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder scene, small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame, smooth walnut grip, and all matching serial numbers aside from the grip which has no legible number ("2" marked directly above the barrel number and just behind the cylinder number).

Good with traces of the period refinished blue finish, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation and pitting, and general mild wear. The refinished grip is very good and has some fresh oil, mild dings and scratches, edge and handling wear, and minor chips at the toe. Mechanically fine.