Rare Colt 1851 Navy. Pictured and described in Nathan Swayze’s book, ’51 Colt Navies on pages 72 and 73. The revolver is a 4 screw cut for shoulder stock Navy with a brass backstrap. Swayze notes that most 4 screw cut for shoulder stock Navies have an iron backstrap, and the brass backstrap with milled slot for shoulder stock stud is very unusual. The gun has the initials “W.H.B.” on most of the major parts. As stated by Swayze, Major W.H. Bell was a member of the board of officers appointed for “the examination of Colt’s arms with breech attachment and pistol carbines”. More extensive information is in the accompanying copies of the pages from the book. Cylinder scene is very good. All markings are sharp. Gun is good plus to very good condition overall. Unusual and important 1851 Navy variation!