This is a Model 1851 Colt Navy cap and ball revolver. The serial number 6540 puts this one in the first year of production in 1851! Quite possibly this revolver was in the south before the outbreak of the Civil War. The 7 1/2" barrel has very strong rifling and a bright clean bore. The single line Sam Colt New York address is clearly visible, strong enough to read from across the room! The Colt patent mark and the cylinder scene are also very legible. The stamp of Engraved by W.L. Ormsby New York is still legible. That's pretty impressive for a first year production Navy! The inspectors marks of B and T are stamped into the trigger guard. The serial numbers are very crisp and match, including that dang little wedge. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder and frame have a steel gray patina. There is a little blue scattered around, mainly in the recessed areas. The silver wash is knee deep on this one. if you look closely at the pictures you can see my reflection! The traces of brass showing have a golden patina, very eye pleasing. The walnut grips still retain most of the original varnish. They fit the gun like a glove and have only the expected nicks after 159 years of handling. This is a beautiful gun that most likely fought with some Confederate soldier during the war of northern aggression. Regardless of which side it resided with, this one will make a great addition to your Civil War weapons collection.

Item # AA946

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