The old tag says it’s a barn find from Virginia. I do not think this is a “dug” relic more likely a barn find. Iron and brass exhibit the nice dark patina of a weathered relic. Revolver is remarkably complete considering its past treatment. REMARKABLY THE GUN STILL COCKS AND THE CYLINDER STILL ADVANCES! The loading lever does not move. It has some deep pitting and some dings and dents to the iron, the back strap bent upward. Serial number appears on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Serial number is 109991 which dates this to 1862 production. Trigger guard and back strap are made of brass. 36 caliber, six shot revolver with a 7 ½” round barrel. These were manufactured from 1861 through 1873. This is a semi working relic example of a Colt model 1861 Navy revolver. While both Remington Rand and Ithaca both had FJA marked on them, when comparing the 'M1911A1 US ARMY' you'll see the Ithaca's font is larger and fatter than the R-R.Original Civil War Colt Navy Revolver 1861 Serial Number Recovered In Virginia Antique Certified. If by chance you see one marked JKC then it's a rare bird made by Singer. If the marking is RCD then the frame was made by Union Switch & Signal. Colts were either CSR, RS, WB, GHD, or JSB (I'm excluding the earlier pre-war frames).

If the inspection mark on the left side is 'FJA' then the frame is either a Remington Rand or an Ithaca. Usually you can tell who made what frame by following a basic formula.

There were no manufacturer's names or logos on the frames, and was just said the slides were often switched around. The old military pistols only had the serial numbers on the frame, along with the US Property marking, M1911A1 marking, and inspection marks. I honestly don't know what they would want with 65+ year-old pistols that are worth far more to collectors than to cops, but that's the way it is currently. I hear a lot of LE departments have been receiving old USGI pistols from the government. While both Remington Rand and Ithaca both had FJA marked on them, when comparing the 'M1911A1 US ARMY' you'll see the Ithaca's font is larger and fatter than the R-R. Click to expand.The old military pistols only had the serial numbers on the frame, along with the US Property marking, M1911A1 marking, and inspection marks.

Colt serial numbers