A Major General’s Custom 1851 Navy Colt | Factory Engraved

General William H. Morris began his own military career as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York from July 1, 1846, to July 1, 1851. The revolver was manufactured the same year he graduated. After graduating, Morris was made a brevet second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Infantry and served initially on garrison duty at Fort Columbus and Fort Wood in New York. He was promoted to second lieutenant on December 3, 1851. Morris would go on to be stationed at Fort Yuma, known for its repeated attacks and high temperatures, it wasn't a choice destination for any service member. Before he traveled west, Major William A. Thornton wrote to Samuel Colt about a special request for Morris. A copy of the letter still exists today. In 1852, Colt's "revolving belt pistol" was his latest and most versatile model and glowing reviews from a West Point graduate could certainly help with sales and military contracts.