Included in this lot is an extremely rare and desirable U. S. Martially marked Pre-Civil War Colt 1851 Navy revolver with low serial number 71338, indicating a production date of 1857. This example is the 1851 Third Model with the attractive small trigger guard. The barrel assembly, frame, brass trigger guard and back strap cylinder, arbor (the internal axle that holds the cylinder), and even the barrel wedge, show this matching number. This original condition of this U.S. marked Pre-Civil War Colt 1851 Six Shot .36 Caliber Navy Revolver is of historical importance, as most of these Model 1851 Colts were not purchased by the United States Government for issue to troops, especially officers. This example shows the correct small “U.S.” stamping on the left side of the frame just below the correct “COLTS PATENT” marking. Several parts also correctly display tiny government inspector initials, which are evident only on U.S. martial revolvers. The top of the 7 ½” barrel retains a sharp and clear “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY” one line marking. The brass grip straps and trigger guard show a most attractive, aged mustard patina. Overall, metal surfaces display a dark, naturally aged patina with scattered shallow handling marks. The original one-piece walnut grips are excellent and without chips or cracks. Only the butt of the revolver shows numerous small dings from light hammering. This intriguing attribute is found on many early revolvers of this type. The roll engraved cylinder scene is visible, although marred by surface handling marks. The action is crisp, and even the bore, while dark, retains good rifling. Only the front sight has been replaced with a small copper blade—probably a field or frontier repair. The Model 1851 was a classic sidearm of the Pre-Civil War Frontier cavalry and infantry. Most continued in service from the very beginning and throughout the Civil War years, where they saw very heavy and continual use. After the war many, if not most, of these hard used revolvers were either sold as surplus or kept by returning soldiers only to see continued service in the Frontier West. Wild Bill Hickock was carrying a pair of Colt 1851 Navy revolvers when he was gunned down in Deadwood. With an attractive dark aged patina appearance, this is a fine example of Colt’s most famous and popular early model revolver that has Pre-Civil War, Civil War, and probably Old West history. Unaltered and uncleaned, it would be at home in any firearm, Civil War, or Western collection. It would be very difficult to find an earlier martially marked example. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.