This specific '51 Navy is pictured on page 124 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson and noted as having an "Extremely rare blued frame." While being listed as rare, a more fitting title should be unique, possible period refinished blued frame. It was manufactured in 1852 and has the early Hartford scroll engraving used by Colt factory engravers prior to the influx of the German engravers in the 1850s. The early engraving covers the sides of the barrel lug, upper side flats of the barrel at the breech, all of the visible surfaces of the frame, most of the back strap, and the bow and sides of the trigger guard. In addition to the flowing, sometimes feather-like scroll patterns, there are crosshatched panels, shell designs on the lower corners of the barrel lug and upper sides of the back strap, and some burst style designs around some of the screws. The blued barrel also has an entwining and wavy line border and dashed borders around the "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" barrel address, light border at the muzzle, and a brass cone front sight. The blued cylinder has the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene and "COLTS PATENT No" markings. The frame has the early, small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left and was reblued, possibly in the period of usage. The loading lever and hammer are casehardened and were left plain. The grip frame is silver plated, and there is a small "L" on the left side of the trigger guard at the front. The grip is a beautiful piece of antique ivory. There is a "0" by the serial number on the barrel and cylinder and a small "X" by the serial number on the trigger guard. All of the visible serial numbers match. The rosewood case has brass corners and escutcheons and has a closely fit interior, a small powder flask, brass double cavity bullet mold with "COLTS/PATENT" marked iron sprue cutter, "L-shaped" combination tool, and an Eley Brothers cap tin.

Very fine. The engraving, markings, and cylinder scene remain crisp. 90% of the refinished blue finish remains on the frame 75% of the bright high polish blue remains on the barrel. The loss is primarily small areas that have flaked on the barrel and display a smooth brown patina and light fading on the cylinder. The cylinder pins remain complete. The loading lever and hammer retain 80% of the casehardened finish. 95% plus of the attractively aged silver plating remains on the grip frame which has slight loss primarily at the heel. The grip is also very fine and has very attractive natural grain and creamy tones, slight wear at the edges of the lower mortise, and minor shrinkage. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has minor cracks in the lid, a crack on the base, and mild storage wear. The interior shows light age and storage related wear and fading; the latter primarily from contact with the cylinder and accessories. The flask is dented on one side but is otherwise very fine. The mold is very fine and has light aged patina. The combination tool is fine and has light fading of the blue and wear from use at the tips. The cap tin is very good and retains nearly all of the label and the lacquered finish. This is a desirable early Colt Model 1851 Navy with early engraving, the very hard to find blued frame, and desirable case and accessories.