Samuel Colt's Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" is one of the most historically significant firearms. It was this model that met with the most international success following Colt's exhibition of arms at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. This revolver was manufactured in 1851 and displays the early Hartford engraving prominent before the influx of German trained engravers that came to dominate American firearms engraving for many decades. This revolver may have been engraved by Thomas J. Barlow who is believed to have engraved for Colt from mid-1852 to early 1854 per Herbert Houze in "Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century." The engraving has similarities with the pieces attributed to Barlow on pages 14-20, not especially the engraving on page 16-17. In addition to the scrollwork, there are a variety of border designs, a big cat vignette on the right side of the barrel (possibly a cougar), "COLTS/PATENT" hand inscribed on the left side of the frame, some checkerboard accents, bestial design on the hammer, and floral accents. There are dot marking by several of the serial numbers indicating the factory designated this revolver for engraving. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-." Matching serial numbers are marked on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip. The custom case has a Eley Bros. cap tin, L-shaped combination tool, navy pattern brass powder flask with sloped spout, "COLT'S/PATENT" marked iron dual cavity bullet mold, and key.

Very good with lightly worn but distinct engraving, 70% original silver plating, traces of original blue finish and case colors in the some of the protected areas, mottled gray and brown patina on the balance, minor pitting, and general mild wear. The refinished grip is also very good and has most of the original varnish, moderate handling wear, mild edge wear, and light dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The relined case is good and has an absent lid escutcheon, some wrinkles and mild wear on the lining, and mild wear. The accessories are fine and have minor wear.