Colt Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was the second most popular of all Colt percussion revolvers after only the more compact Model 1849 Pocket. When Samuel Colt was alive, it was this model that was probably the first to come to mind when someone brought up Colt's innovative "revolving pistols." It was an excellent revolver for lawmen, soldier, and every day citizens who might need some protection. It had more power than the '49 Pocket but was still much easier to carry than the massive .44 caliber Colts such as the Walkers and Dragoons. This highly attractive '51 Navy was manufactured in 1870. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking, "36 CAL" is marked on the trigger guard, and matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The loading lever and wedge are unnumbered. The cylinder has the naval battle scene and is marked "COLTS PATENT No. 176."

Fine, retains 75% plus of the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, 85% plus of the period refinished blue on the renumbered replacement cylinder with the rerolled naval battle scene rollmark visible, 90% of the vibrant original case colors, and 95% plus of the original silver, which is showing an attractive antique patina, with the balance overall mostly a smooth grey patina. The grip is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and retains most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent.