This two digit First Model 1851 with square back trigger guard was manufactured in 1850 (the first year of production) and is one of approximately 800 Model 1851 Navy revolvers manufactured with the barrel wedge positioned over the screw in the serial range of 1-1250. The Colt Model 1851 Navy, first known as the "Ranger Model" and also known as the "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber," was originally designed between 1847 and 1850. Though its name implies maritime use, most Navy revolvers saw use on dry land, including in the Old West and down South. Includes a February 1955 issue of "Texas Gun Collector" magazine featuring an article about this gun on page 21 where it mentions this revolver as being a fresh find at the time out of the San Antonio area and refers to it "...as pure as a lily, even though it does show it has had considerable use." and also states "If any of you boys out there known of one with a lower number, we would certainly be glad to give it due mention in the magazine." Early brass post front sight, early style barrel with a non-beveled loading cut out, screw under the wedge, and the correct early production "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" marking stamped on top. The left side of the frame has the "COLT'S/PATENT" marking. The cylinder has the Naval Battle of Campeche scene. A partial "8" can be seen on the cylinder, which has faint traces of what should be a 2 in front of it, but erosion and battering has made it illegible. "K" inspector mark on the front of the silvered brass trigger guard, and "T" on the right side of trigger guard. Matching serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, arbor pin, frame, trigger guard, and butt. The wedge is not marked.