Civil War Era Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Serial #103100, .36 Caliber, 7 1/2" octagon barrel with a very good bore that has dark freckling and pitting within the grooves.  This is an 1861-made, 4th Model revolver that has an overall mottled gray and near black patina, with even freckling throughout, as well as some pinprick pitting at the rear of the cylinder, and breech area of the barrel.  The cylinder number is plainly legible, but only faint traces of the naval battle scene remain.  All numbers, except the loading lever, are matching (including the wedge and arbor) and the trigger guard and backstrap have a mixed pale yellow and dark ochre patina with numerous small impact marks on the butt.  The walnut grip has numerous small handling marks throughout, with wear along the edges of the flared butt, and three deep notches cut into the right side at the top.  The lock-up is tight, despite one of the barrel anchors on the front of the frame having broken off.  The action is functional, but the hammer does not hold at full cock.  This is a good example of a Civil War era ‘51 Navy, and would make a great representative example for a collection.  Antique