Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy, 2nd Generation Master Engraved by Howard Dove

Serial Number: 24856

Year of Manufacture: 1979

Caliber: .36 Caliber

Action Type: Single Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver with 6-Shot Cylinder

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass cone set at the muzzle. The rear sight is the traditional notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with two-piece joined smooth ivory grips. The grip frame and backstrap are beautifully engraved to match the balance of the revolver. There are no chips or cracks. The grips have faint play in the frame. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued with Master Class "D" Scroll Engraving

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 99% of its original finish. The factory blue remains rich with vivid case colors on the loading lever, hammer, and frame. The Master Class "D" scroll engraving by Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove is crisp and beautifully executed. There is virtually no evidence of handling or firing. Overall, this revolver rates in Like New condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Colt Custom Shop box, Factory Colt walnut presentation case with red velvet lining, Colt powder flask, two cavity bullet mold, nipple wrench, cap tin, key, Colt Archive Letter dated September 25, 2008, and original paperwork. The archive letter confirms this revolver as a factory Class "D" Custom Scroll Engraved example by Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove, shipped August 24, 1979, through Omaha Midwest Wholesale Distributors for Dean's Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. The included case label identifies the set as supplied with ivory grips and accessories and took 4-years to complete.

This is an exceptional example of a factory Colt Second Generation 1851 Navy that stands well above the standard production revolvers. Howard Dove was one of Colt's most respected Master Engravers, and his factory-documented work is highly sought after by advanced Colt collectors. The accompanying Colt Archive Letter provides unquestionable provenance, confirming the revolver's factory engraving and original shipment history.

Complete, cased, and accompanied by its original accessories and archival documentation, this revolver offers outstanding collector appeal. The combination of documented Master Class engraving, ivory grips, exceptional preservation, and presentation case makes this a premier display-quality Colt that would be equally at home in an advanced Colt collection, a Western firearms collection, or a high-end investment portfolio.