This Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1862. The revolver is decorated with New York custom American style scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The engraving covers the barrel lug and muzzle, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The top and sides of the hammer are engraved with a wolf's head motif. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the standard Texas Navy battle scene accented with scalloped and punch-dot borders. The engraving is similar in style to that executed by L.D. Nimschke for Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and other New York dealers. The barrel, and frame are silver-plated and the loading lever, cylinder, hammer, trigger guard and back strap are gold-plated. The revolver has a one-piece grip with a relief carved image of a European dragoon on the left side. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame is a relief-carved oval panel. The caliber designation "36 CAL" stamped on the left heel of the trigger guard is covered with an engraved flourish. "C" is stamped on the left trigger guard bow. In addition to the roll-engraved naval battle scene, the cylinder is marked: "COLTS PATENT NO". The full serial number, "9323" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Good. The revolver retains 25% of the period gold and silver-plated finish. Significant amounts of gold plating are present on the loading lever and hammer and traces of gold plated finish are present on protected areas of the cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. Some of the silver-plated finish is present on protected areas of the barrel. The balance of the barrel and frame have a smooth, silver-gray patina. The scroll and punch-dot engraving is deep and crisp. The cylinder retains about 40% of the roll-engraved naval scene. The factory markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The grip is in good overall condition and has aged to a good-looking yellow patina. The butt has the usual circular age cracks and there is an old repair on the left side of the grip at the junction with the back strap. The relief carved dragoon motif shows moderate handling wear. The revolver shows moderate firing wear with flash pitting on the percussion nipples, hammer slot and hammer. This is an attractive example of a New York engraved, silver and gold-plated Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver.