Factory Engraved 1851 Navy with Post-Factory Inscription to Martin Burke

Excellent early Colt factory engraved Third Model 1851 Navy, inscribed to “Col. M. Burke, USA”.

This revolver retains an attractive percentage of its original blue, case colors, and silver plating on the backstrap & triggerguard. Cylinder scene is worn, but still quite visile. Matching serial numbers on frame, triggerguard, butt, cylinder, and loading lever.

Factory engraving in Gustave Young style covers the frame, recoil shield, barrl, barrel lug, loading lever, backstrap, and triggerguard. Typical Young style wolf’s head motif on the hammer. Punch dot factory engraving indicator stamped below serial numbers on the frame, triggerguard, and butt.

In our opinion, the inscription to Burke is post-factory. Burke joined the U.S. Army in 1820 and was a career army officer who fought in the Seminole Wars & the Mexican American War. He eventually held the title of Lieutenant Colonel from 1861 until his retirement in 1863. During this time, he commanded Fort Lafayette, which was used as a high security military prison and for guarding New York Harbor. We suspect the inscription was done between 1861 and 1865, as Burke was breveted to Briagadier General in 1865, in honor of his longtime military service beginning in 1820.

Revolver is accompanied by a case, accessories, and numerous historical records & details regarding Burke’s life and military service, and is a fine addition to any Colt collection focused on factory engraving, percussion Colts, or Colts with individual historical provenance.