Rare First year production Colt Model 1851 .36 caliber percussion navy revolver. This remarkable Colt revolver appears to have never been cleaned and is in what collectors refer to as “Attic Condition.” It is extremely difficult to find examples of early percussion Colt Revolvers that are in truly untouched condition, as if they were simply put away in an “attic” for the last hundred twenty years. This 1851 Navy with low serial number 5415 and made in 1851 has all matching serial numbers on the cylinder, frame, trigger guard, barrel, loading lever and even the barrel wedge. Overall the revolver’s blued parts have aged to a natural, uncleaned plum-to-brown patina. The cylinder retains nearly all of the roll engraving and has a clear and sharp “COLT’S PATENT No 5415” STAMPING. The frame on the left side has the correct early “COLT’S PATENT” STAMPING and the barrel top has the correct Colt address marking. The brass trigger guard and back strap retain most of the original silver plating with only light areas of mellow brass showing through- these 1851s rarely retain any silver. Screw heads are in very fine condition and mechanically this revolver is fully functional. The one piece walnut grips show normal light wear and show no evidence of having been refinished or sanded etc. Even the pins between the chambers are all intact- these pins held the hammer between chambers/percussion nipples so that the revolver could be carried safely fully loaded in all six chambers without the hammer resting on a live percussion cap behind a loaded chamber. These pins are almost universally broken or missing. The 1851 Colt Navy revolver was Colts first successful medium size belt or holster revolver. They were made well past the Civil War years and into the 1870s and proved to be one of Colt’s most popular revolvers. Wild Bill Hickock was known to carry a pair of these most days and swore by them. Early examples like this one often made it to the Gold Fields of California and many, if not most, saw hard service in the Civil War and later on the Post-war frontier. Early, Pre-Civil War examples are very hard to find and when encountered usually show heavy wear and frequently have replaced or mis- matched parts. A first year production, 5000 serial range Model 1851 in “as found” or “attic condition” that has not been on the collector’s market before is a most desirable rarity in itself. This 172 year old historic Colt would be a prize for any Colt, Civil War or Old West collection. Serial Number: 5415. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.