Colt 1851 Navy revolver with faux ivory handle and engraving, 13 inches long. Quality work. A non-firing copy of the original Colt. Samuel Colt designed the Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber between 1847 and 1850-the actual year of introduction. It remained in production until 1873 when revolvers using fixed cartridges came into general use. The designation "Colt 1851 Navy" was applied by collectors, though the popular name "Navy Revolver" is of early origin. The cylinder is engraved. The 36 caliber Navy revolver, at an overall length of 14 inches, weighed 42 ounces and was much lighter than the contemporary .44 Colt revolvers designed to be carried in holsters on either side of a saddle pommel.