Beschreibung:

.38 Colt, 7.375" barrel, S/N 89849 (mfg. ca 1858). Blued and color case hardened finish, walnut grip. Matching numbers throughout including grip, with rear face of cylinder renumbered at the factory during the conversion process to 9849, with no serial number on the side. Wedge a correctly unnumbered factory replacement, loading gate serial numbered 1156, which should match the conversion ring of the revolver which was not removed. One-line Hartford barrel address, weak COLT'S / PATENT / US on frame, with added two-line 1871/1872 patent dates. Bottom of grip strap correctly stamped USN, bottom of barrel stamped R.W.M. [ANCHOR], indicating inspection and acceptance of the altered revolver at the New York Navy Yard by Commander R.W. Meade. A scarce example of a US Navy contract Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver delivered as a percussion gun in 1858, used through the Civil War and altered to .38 centerfire for the Navy by Colt ca 1873 via the Richards-Mason system. A total of 2,097 revolvers were so altered for the US Navy, with roughly 1,000 being M1851s and the balance being M1861s. Condition: Very good. Retains some of the Colt factory refurbished case color on the frame, with the barrel and other metal parts having a medium gray patina with scattered discoloration and light surface oxidation. Markings mostly clear, cylinder scene with some wear. Mechanically functional, very good bore that is mostly bright. Grip with bumps dings and mars from handling and use.