This exceptional New York engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1871. This revolver has the late Fourth Model features which include large oval trigger guard, thick loading lever catch, recoil shield capping cut-out, and beveled, V-shaped loading cut-out. The hammer spur has bordered knurling. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No." The full serial number, "213463", is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "463" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has New York engraving that features Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. In addition to the scrollwork, the revolver is decorated with prominent stars on the sides of the barrel flats and bottom of the trigger guard, scalloped borders on the cylinder, cross-hatching on the barrel lug, recoil shield and back strap and entwined double lines on the top of the barrel and butt. The hammer is not engraved. All of these elements are characteristic of the work of master engraver Louis D. Nimschke who engraved Colt revolvers for the New York retailer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham.

Exceptionally fine. The revolver is all original and retains 70% of the nickel-plated finish. The barrel and loading lever have most of the nickel-plated finish with some scattered flaking and some spots of shallow pitting. The finish on the frame and cylinder shows more wear. The cylinder has moderate-heavy flash pitting on the rear face, percussion nipples and rear edges with scattered spots of discoloration on the balance. The plated finish has flaked on the edges and sides of the recoil shields. There is heavy pitting in the hammer well. The hammer has a dark patina with scattered pitting and age discoloration. The grip has a yellow patina and is in fine overall condition with a chip in the right side at the junction with the frame and trigger guard and circular, hairline age cracks on the butt. This is a fine example of a late production Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with New York engraving.