Manufactured in 1862, this shoulder stocked Colt M1851 revolver was the premier medium caliber Colt handgun of the percussion era. The top barrel flat is marked "--ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA--", left side of the lug has "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proofs, and the left upper rear of the trigger guard bow is marked "6". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas/Mexico naval scene and alternating proofs between the chambers. There is a "H" marked on the cylinder as well just behind the "COLTS PATENT 5535" panel. The frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side. The matching serial number "125535" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap, the partial serial number "5535" is marked on the cylinder, and the wedge is miss-matched. Fitted with smooth one piece walnut grips. Complete in an oak case with brass fitting and brass corner protectors, an inset brass disc surrounded by a brass ring on the lid and paper "Directions" label affixed to the inside of the lid. The case is divided into nine compartments with green felt lining and comes with a canteen stock with matching serial number marked on the lower tang of the attaching brass and on the tang of the buttplate, all fittings are brass with silver plated buttplate. In addition, the case contains a metal cleaning rod with a metal handle, "L" shaped nipple wrench/screwdriver, an iron bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue, a James Dixon brown lacquer finished bag shaped flask marked "COLTS NAVY FLASK", a nickel oiler and a large W. & C. Eley percussion cap tin. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, blue finish, stocks "Not Listed", the canteen style stock and that it was shipped as one of 40 to Colts London Agency, 14 Pall Mall, London, England on June 6, 1862. Writer has never seen a Colt factory letter documenting the aforementioned "Canteen style shoulder stock" feature. What a find! Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Very fine. The barrel retains 40% of the original bright blue finish mixed with a smooth mottled grayish brown patina. The cylinder has a smooth grayish patina with a visible scene and crisp clear proof marks. The frame retains 60% of the bright original case colors with the balance having a smooth gray patina. The trigger guard and back strap have a smooth mottled gray patina. The grips have been varnished and retain almost all of the varnish with a couple of tiny nicks on each toe and light handling marks overall. The barrel and frame markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The case is good with overall minor dents, dings and scratches. The lining is good, showing some wear and the label is 98% complete. The stock is excellent retaining all of the original varnish with a few overall scattered minor dings and handling marks. The buttplate retains 80% of the original thinning silver plating with aged patina on the exposed areas. The attaching brass has a pleasant aged patina. The flask is very fine with most of the original brown lacquer finish remaining and much of the lacquer remaining on the brass. The mold is fine with strong original blue on one arm and the balance a smooth dark patina. There are several minor dings on each arm. The very fine tin retains most of the original, dark spotted paper wrap, and the label is complete. The oiler is fine. A truly exceptional example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver factory documented with rare matching factory canteen shoulder stock, case and accessories.