1851 Engraved Navy Revolver Brass

Non-firing replica

Samuel Colt designed the Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber (i.e., .36 cal) between 1847 and 1850-the actual year of introduction. It remained in production until 1873 when revolvers using fixed cartridges came into widespread use. Total production numbers were exceeded only by the Colt Pocket models in concurrent development and numbered some 250,000 domestic units and about 22,000 produced in the Colt London Armory. (citation:Wilson, R.L, Colt, An American Legend)

The designation "Colt 1851 Navy" was applied by collectors, though the popular name "Navy Revolver" is of early origin. (ibid, Wilson) The cylinder is engraved with a naval battle scene celebrating the victory of the Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche in May 1843. The Texas Navy had purchased the earlier Colt Paterson Revolver and this was Colt's first major success in the gun trade; the naval battle theme of the engraved cylinder of the Colt 1851 Navy revolver was Colt's gesture of appreciation. Despite the "Navy" designation, the revolver was chiefly purchased by civilians and military land forces.

Famous "Navy" users included Wild Bill Hickok, Richard Francis Burton, and Robert E. Lee. Usage continued long after more modern cartridge revolvers were introduced in 1873.

The engraved Navy revolver was a presentation piece given to high ranking military officers and government officials and was based on the military-issue 1851 Navy revolver, which saw service through the end of the Civil War. This non-firing version provides a dramatic illustration of the talents of the factory engravers of the period.

USA 1851

Overall Length: 13 5/8"
Weight: 2lbs 1oz
Barrell Length: 7 3/8"