This is an example of a post-Civil War Colt conversion of a Model 1861 Navy percussion revolver for the U.S. Navy. The Richards-Mason conversion modifications include: (1) plugged loading lever hole, attachment of an ejector housing, (2) modification of the cylinder, frame and hammer and (3) installation of a breech plate without integral rear sight. The revolver has a blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and ejector head. The frame and hammer have a casehardened finish. The trigger guard and back strap are brass. The one-piece grip has an oil finish. The top of the barrel has the standard Colt, New York, America address. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the standard Texas Navy sea battle and Colt patent markings. The left side of the frame is marked: "PAT, JULY. 25, 1871" and "PAT . U.C. 2, 1872." in two lines. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped "36 Cal" and a "2" is stamped on the front left side of the trigger guard bow. The serial number is visible on the underside of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading gate is stamped with an assembly number. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the New York Navy Yard marking "R.W.M/Anchor".

Very fine as factory refurbished for the U.S. Navy. The revolver retains 60% of the blue finish on the barrel and cylinder. Most of the roll-engraved Naval Battle scene remains. The frame and hammer retain 50% of the case colors. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a very attractive aged patina. The barrel lug adjacent to the wedge slot is battered. The grips are in fine condition with some handling wear and many small scratches on the butt. A fine example of a significant Colt Navy Richards-Mason cartridge conversion.