This is an extremely rare Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver manufactured very early in the first year of production, 1861, and is one of only 100 that were produced with a fully fluted cylinder. Serial numbers of this variation fall under 100 and around the 4,800 range. This particular revolver is pictured in "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson on page 167 and was once in the collections of Robert Sutherland and Will Hoffeld. The barrel address is not visible, the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT," and one cylinder flute is marked "PAT. SEPT. 10th 1850". The left trigger guard shoulder is marked with an "L". The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. There is no capping groove in the cutout. It is equipped with a German silver blade front and hammer notch rear sights and fitted with one piece smooth walnut grips. The barrel and cylinder were finished blue, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver plated brass trigger guard and back strap. This is truly a rare find and a nice addition to any Colt percussion collection.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a dark patina with several minor dings on the barrel lug around and ahead of the barrel wedge, a couple of small areas of minor pitting and some light spotting. The trigger guard and back strap retain strong traces of the original silver plating in the protected areas of the trigger guard and on the butt and the top of the backs trap just below the hammer. The exposed brass has an aged patina with a few minor dings around the trigger guard bow. The grips are about good overall with a repaired crack on the left side which runs from the top of the back strap to the butt. The grip does remain solid. 30% original varnish remaining with some lower edge wear, a few minor dings and dents and a pleasant hand rubbed patina. The markings, unless noted above, are clear. The action is fine. A nice, solid representative example of an extremely rare fluted cylinder Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver. Provenance: formerly of the Robert Sutherland, and Will Hoffeld collections.