This Model 1851 was manufactured in 1850 (the first year of production) and is one of possibly as few as 800 Model 1851 Navy revolvers manufactured with the barrel wedge positioned over the screw that distinguish the First Models. The Model 1851 Navy was originally known as the "Ranger Model" and became Colt's most popular service model and was manufactured in many variations between 1850 and 1873 leaving many variations for collectors to acquire, but the First Model variation is particularly hard to find. This revolver is even rarer in that it features a "U.S." marking under the "COLT'S/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame. Per an included copy of an appraisal from Leon C. Jackson of Jackson Arms, only six "U.S." marked First Model '51 Navy revolvers are known, and he indicated they were issued to the U.S. Army Medical Department. (We have not documentation on this.) The barrel has a brass post front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" marked on top of the barrel, and the wedge positioned over the retaining screw. The cylinder has the classic Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene. The trigger guard is the early square back design. The grips have the early "Slim Jim" profile. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, loading lever, frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Good a mixture of artificial with dark gray and brown patina, some mild pitting under the finish mainly on the cylinder and professionally renumbered, replaced wedge retention screw, and general moderate overall wear. The slightly undersized, revarnished grip is also good and has mild lower edge wear and minor chips at the toe. Mechanically fine. This is a nice opportunity to get your hands on a solid representative example of the scarce First Model '51 Navy!