This Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1857 and has the period inscription "Presented by Genl. J.W. Singleton to Wm. H. Thursten" on the backstrap. James W. Singleton (November 23rd, 1811-April 4th, 1892) became a brigadier general of the Illinois Militia in 1844 and took part in the so-called Illinois Mormon War between 1844-1846; in which area residents banded together to drive out the new Mormon settlers in the area, and after the death of Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith at Carthage Jail on June 22nd, 1844, Governor Thomas Ford ordered Singleton to bring his 60 militiamen there to keep the peace. They returned home July 2nd, but violence erupted again. A settlement was later negotiated by Congressman Stephen A. Douglas and church leaders, but when not all had left by the fall of 1846, approximately 1,500 anti-Mormons were gearing up to attack the Mormon city of Nauvoo, Illinois. Singleton, who led the force, negotiated a final departure although his officers refused to accept it, and he resigned from his command. Peace came only after ammunition ran out. He served as delegate to the state constitutional conventions in 1847 and 1861, served as a member of the state house of representatives between 1850-1854 and again in 1861, and was elected as a Democrat to the 46th and 47th U.S. Congresses in 1879-1883. William H. Thursten, a private of Company A 148th Regiment Illinois Infantry, and/or of the 17th Regiment Illinois Infantry mustered in out of Peoria, Illinois, are possible matches as the recipient of this revolver (his last name was possibly listed as "Thurston"). Features a cone front sight, the Hartford barrel address, standard cylinder scene and patent markings, hammer notch rear sight, and varnished grip. Matching serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, loading lever, cylinder and handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The period replacement wedge is numbered "221".

Very good plus, with smooth gray patina and scattered areas of dark pitting on the iron surfaces, traces of original case colors on the edges of the frame, loading lever and on the hammer, mostly visible markings, with golden aged patina on the brass and traces of original silver finish in protected areas, and a clear inscription on the back strap. Grip is fine with most of the original varnish, defined edges, and scattered scratches and small nicks. Mechanically fine.