Manufactured in 1861. The revolver features deluxe Germanic Scroll engraving on a punch-dot background executed by Master Engraver Gustave Young. A hound's head partially concealed in the scroll-work is engraved on the left side of the barrel lug in front of the wedge slot. The sides of the hammer are engraved with Young's trademark wolf head motif. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT." in an engraved panel with scalloped edges and a scrollwork flourish at the muzzle end. "COLT'S/PATENT" is hand engraved in a scroll work panel on the left side of the frame. The inscription panel on the back strap is engraved "Lieut Jas B. Smith/Co D National Guards 2nd Regt Philada" in two lines with a Masonic square and compass emblem engraved at the end of the inscription. Lieutenant James B. Smith was the Second Lieutenant of Company D of the 19th Pennsylvania Regiment which was formed from the National Guards of Philadelphia early in the Civil War. His company mustered in on May 18, 1861, and was led by Captain Joseph Ellis. The regiment was led by Colonel Peter Lyle and was stationed near Fort McHenry. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The full serial number, "98260", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number "8260" is located on the top of the loading lever. This early Fourth Model Navy revolver features a large rounded trigger guard, recoil shield without capping cut-out channel, and thin loading lever catch. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, color casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer; and silver plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece grip is highly figured fancy grain walnut with a high polish piano finish. The barrel has a dovetail mounted front sight with nickel silver blade. The hammer spur has bordered knurling. The revolver is complete with a Colt mahogany case with dark blue velvet lining. The case has five compartments and is complete with accessories that include lacquered Eley Bros. cap tin with green paper label, several .36 caliber round balls and conical bullets, a blue iron .36 caliber bullet mold for round balls and conical bullets marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, blue, L-shaped combination nipple wrench/screwdriver and an 1851/1861 Navy powder flask with brass fixed charger and dark brown lacquer finished body embossed with crossed revolving rifles and revolvers above "COLTS/PATENT" and a stand of flags and arms.
Extremely fine with most of the original finish, crisp and deep engraving, distinct cylinder scene, complete cylinder pins, and minor pitting. The grip is very fine and retains most of the high polish piano finish with some small areas of flaking. The action functions perfectly. The case is very good with some very minor nicks and scratches on the lid and slightly faded original deep blue velvet lining with contact wear. The cap tin is very fine with bright green label and nearly all the japanned finish. The bullet mold and combination tool are very good with most of the original finish and some minor wear. The powder flask is also very good and has much of the dark brown lacquer finish. This is an outstanding example of a Civil War inscribed, factory engraved, cased Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver inscribed to a Union officer who answered President Lincoln's call to arms at the beginning of the Civil War.
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