This Colt Fourth Model 1851 revolver was manufactured in 1859. This revolver is one of the final group of 600 Colt M1851 Navy revolvers delivered to the Navy by Colt in September 1859. Approximately 2640 M1851 "Black Navy" revolvers were purchased by the U.S.N. between June 1856 and September 1859. The revolver has the distinctive Fourth Model large rounded trigger guard, recoil shield with no capping channel and 'Black Navy' blued iron trigger guard and back strap. The revolver has a blue barrel and cylinder with casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the top flat is marked: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" . The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." A small "G" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction of the frame and grip and a "B" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The cylinder is roll-stamped with "COLT"S PATENT NO." followed by the serial number. The full serial number is stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number, "0744", is stamped on the top of the loading lever. All of the serial numbers match. The revolver has no visible Ordnance or Navy inspection or property marks other than "U.S." on the left side of the frame.

Fine. The barrel and cylinder have a smooth, blue-brown, patina with nearly 20% of the original blue finish visible in protected areas. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 60% of the original casehardened finish with strong case colors. The trigger guard and back strap have been lightly cleaned and are satin gray with some of the original blue finish visible in protected areas. The cylinder has nearly all of the roll-engraved naval scene intact with several small areas of pitting on the forward portion of the cylinder. The rear face of the cylinder and percussion nipples have light-moderate flash pitting. All of the cylinder safety pins remain intact. Markings are sharp. The grips are fine with light handling wear. Mechanically excellent.