Published Civil War 1851 Colt Navy .36 Cal Percussion Revolver w/ Holster

Published Civil War Model 1851 Colt Navy Percussion Revolver.
Published Civil War Model 1851 Colt Navy Percussion Revolver Attributed to Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, Nickel Plated with Holster, .36 Cal, mfg. 1856. This early Colt Navy revolver was pictured on the cover of GUNS Magazine in July 1962 and noted as; “a Colt's Model 1851 Navy, caliber .36, nickel plated, together with a flag, cap, and canteen owned by a member of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry ”Morgan's Men" - a Civil War regiment formed by Gen. John Hunt Morgan in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1861". Morgan's men participated in several famous raids throughout the war and did seem to favor '51 Navies historically. The pistol is positively identifiable on the cover due to numerous marks in the finish and grips. Overall the pistol retains 80%+ bright period applied nickel finish with wear along the barrel sides and small flaking throughout. Original wood grips are just slightly undersized due to wear and shrinkage yet fit nicely and show moderate/heavy wear with a small chip at the left lower forward corner which is visible in the magazine photo.
Clear barrel address with matching serial number “57504” stamped on frame, barrel, backstrap, triggerguard, wedge, loading lever, cylinder pin and cylinder (cylinder very faint but legible). Cylinder scene is no longer visible as well as the ‘patent’ in “COLTS PATENT” on the frame. Inspector's marks “K” and “M” stamped on left side of triggerguard. Original hammer, trigger, screws, and bead front sight. Action is crisp and smooth and functions very nicely. Nipples are all clean originals. Barrel is rock solid against the frame with no movement. Bore shows good strong rifling overall