Читать книгу Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms - Rick Sapp - Страница 11
ОглавлениеSECTION II
COLT’S PERCUSSION REVOLVERS
THE PATERSON REVOLVERS
Sam Colt accomplished amazing things in his life. Born in 1814, he spent a year at sea and then, at what we today would consider the tender age of 18, began touring the United States and Canada as a showman. He adopted the stage identity “Dr. Coult of Calcutta” and entertained crowds with laughing gas.
The gas was a means to an end, however, as his act raised funds to hire gunsmiths in Albany, Baltimore and Hartford. These gunsmiths eventually produced a plethora of firearm designs. This, too, was a wondrous accomplishment considering the relative complexity of the revolvers and the relatively primitive state of the machinery of mass production.
In 1835, Colt traveled to Europe where he obtained patents in England and France – the countries, it was generally believed, most likely to pirate his ideas if he first patented in the United States. (In those days it took weeks, not hours, to visit those countries in person.) His first U.S. patent was granted on February 25, 1836, and the next month, he chartered the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company in Paterson, New Jersey, with sales offices and showroom in New York City.
The Paterson-based Patent Arms Manufacturing Company lasted six years. Problems with mechanical reliability caused by immature designs and dirty powder often caused the guns to fail when tested. Although Colt repeaters, both handguns and rifles, did prove themselves in the Indian Wars in Florida and Texas, they did not win government approval or patronage, and the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company ceased operations in 1842.
PROTOTYPES
Sam Colt commissioned a number of prototypes from gunsmiths in Albany, Baltimore (John Pearson), and Hartford between 1832 and 1836: nine rifles, one shotgun and 16 pistols. The value of these prototypes on the open market would be extremely high – perhaps in the hundreds of thousands of dollars – and cannot be hypothetically evaluated.
The muzzleloading revolving rifles operated by pulling a large lever, which turned the cylinder and cocked the internal hammer. They fired, of course, when the trigger was pulled. Anson Chase and W.H. Rowe of Hartford built the 1832 takedown model. The barrel assembly unscrewed by hand from the frame.
The cylinders of prototype rifles were enclosed, both front and rear, by flash plates. Upon firing, the plate could – and sometimes did – deflect flame from burning powder downward to set off other loads. These “flash plates” were deleted from production models. The inlaid stocks are checkered. The guns lacked forearms; if the off hand supported the gun in traditional style – i.e., directly below the barrel – it would almost certainly be burned by expanding gas.
John Pearson built a number of Colt prototypes in 1835. The size of these prototypes ranged from 4 lb., 4 oz. for the hefty .53-caliber martial pistol, with its barrel machined and bored from rifle stock, to diminutive .33-caliber pocket pistols. Some of these pistols included integral bayonets, which allowed the user to defend himself with the pistol when it was empty. Barrel assemblies were later stamped “S. COLTS PATENT FEBR. 25 1836.” Trigger assemblies were built either to drop down upon cocking the hammers or fold down manually.
THE ANSON CHASE EXPERIMENTAL
This gun is probably one of the very first of the Colt prototypes. It already has the general configuration that Colt ultimately built into his 1836 Patent. Of course, it has a trigger guard and regular trigger, showing that Colt thought of these features at a very early date. This gun was probably built from 1831 to 1832. The gun’s features include: .50 caliber, a five shot straight round cylinder, a 10.25 inch octagonal barrel, round trigger guard, blade and hammer notch sights and a rounded butt. The overall length of the gun is 14.25 inches. This prototype has been held in the Colt factory collection.
CUTLASS OR KNIFE PISTOL
One of the last of the Paterson experimental pistols, Colt designed a double action Knife Pistol as a combination Bowie knife and repeating pistol. Because of pre-Civil War black powder’s unreliability, this pistol could have proved handy in close-quarters combat. The exposed trigger served to cock, revolve the cylinder and fire the gun. The extended, sweeping “knuckle bow” trigger housing protected the hand from sword cuts and served as a loading lever when lowered. These specifications were: six shot, .38 cal. with a six-inch barrel.
EXPERIMENTAL DAGGER REVOLVER
This pistol was made between 1832 and 1835, just before Colt took out patents and before the Paterson factory was in operation. The dagger was never included in any of the regular production guns, but it appears in patent drawings. Shields covering the nipples and chamber mouths were also discarded before production guns were built. The gun was 7.25 inches in length with a 3.875-inch octagonal barrel. Built in .32 caliber, the straight round cylinder carried five shots. Because the design was for a folding trigger, there was no trigger guard. Sights were a mid-barrel blade and a hammer notch. The butt was rounded. This prototype has been held in the Colt factory collection.
COLT’S PROMOTION MODEL REVOLVER
This beautifully engraved firearm, now a part of the Colt Memorial Collection in the Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford, Connecticut, was built in 1835. Sam Colt was, after all, as much a promoter as he was an inventor and this gun bridged those sides of his personality. It measured 7.25 inches length overall and had a rounded butt. The .40-cal., 3.25-inch barrel was octagonal and the straight round cylinder held five shots. Sights were a small front blade and rear notch at the intersection of the barrel and frame. It had a folding trigger without a trigger guard.
Baby Paterson
PRODUCTION GUNS
MODEL NO. 1 POCKET OR BABY PATERSON
Built beginning in 1837, the Baby Paterson was the first production revolver manufactured by Colt in Paterson. It was intended to serve the carriage trade or military officers who needed a deringer-size, concealable revolver. The single action Model 1 or Pocket Model with folding trigger is the most diminutive in the Paterson line. The standard model has no attached loading lever. Chambering is .28 cal. Percussion; cylinder capacity is five shots. Barrel lengths vary from 1.75 to 4.75 inches. The finish is all-blued, with varnished walnut or fancier grips. It has a roll-engraved centaur motif cylinder scene, and the barrel is stamped “PATENT ARMS MFG. CO. PATERSON N.J. COLT’S PT.” Serial numbers are not visible without dismantling, but each is numbered, #1 through #500.
Belt Model Paterson
MODEL NO. 2 BELT PATERSON
Manufactured from 1837 to 1840, the Belt Model Paterson is a larger revolver than the Model 1, with a straight grip and an octagonal barrel that is 2.5 to 5.5 inches in length. Chambered for .31 cal. percussion, the Belt Model holds five shots and has a folding, drop-down trigger. The finish is all-blued, with varnished walnut grips. There is no attached loading lever. It has a roll-engraved centaur motif cylinder scene, and the barrel is stamped “PATENT ARMS MFG. CO. PATERSON N.J. COLT’S PT.” Serial numbers, which are shared with the #3 Belt Model, range from #1 to #850.
Belt Model Paterson #3.
MODEL NO. 3 BELT PATERSON
revolver is similar to the Model #2 except that grips are curved or flared outward at the bottom to form a more hand-filling configuration. When cocked, the trigger dropped down automatically into firing position. It has a roll engraved centaur motif cylinder scene, and the barrel is stamped “PATENT ARMS MFG.” A few guns feature attached loading levers, but these are extremely rare and, when found, add approximately 35 percent to the base value. Cased, matched pairs are extremely rare and consequently, extremely valuable. The .31 cal. Model #3s were also serial numbered in the same #1 to #850 range.
Texas Paterson
MODEL NO. 5 TEXAS PATERSON
Also known as the Holster Model, this is the largest and most sought-after of the Paterson Colts. It saw use by both the military and civilians on the American frontier. Chambered for .36-cal. percussion, the Model 5 holds five shots; it has an octagonal barrel that varies from 4 to 12 inches in length. Rare models have an attached loading lever, which was retro-fitted after 1839. The finish is blued, with a case-colored hammer. Grips are varnished walnut although ivory and mother-of-pearl were popular options. Some models feature optional silver-band decorative inlays. The cylinder is roll engraved and the barrel is stamped “PATENT ARMS MFG. CO. PATERSON, N.J. COLT’S PT.” Most Texas Patersons are well used and have a worn appearance. One in Exc. or V.G. condition would be highly prized. A verified military model would be worth a great deal more than a standard model, so qualified appraisal would be essential. An attached loading lever brings approximately a 25 percent premium. Manufactured from 1838 to 1840, the serial number range is #1 to #1000.
Model #4 Ehler’s Pocket Paterson.
MODEL NO. 4 EHLERS POCKET PATERSON
John Ehlers was a major stockholder and treasurer of the Patent Arms Mfg. Co. When it went bankrupt, he seized the company’s assets and inventory. These .28 cal. five shot revolvers were Pocket Model Patersons that were not finished at the time. Ehlers had them finished, shortened the frame by 3/16 of an inch and then marketed them himself. Each featured an attached loading lever and the centaur scene on the cylinder. The abbreviation “MFG. CO.” was deleted from the barrel stamping. Produced from 1840 to 1843, a total of about 500 revolvers were involved in all of the Ehlers variations
MODEL NO. 5 EHLERS BELT PATERSON
This was the second of Ehlers efforts to recoup his losses from the Colt manufacturing bankruptcy and it derived from the No.2 Belt Pistol. The caliber was .31; the frame was shortened by 0.1875 inch and while cylinder lengths vary, cylinders feature the centaur scene. Attached loading levers were standard. The Ehlers Belt Models fall within the same 500 revolver lot and they are quite rare
WALKERS AND DRAGOONS
Struggling to refine his designs and begin manufacturing again, Samuel Colt was handed a gift in 1846 in the form of Captain Samuel H. Walker. A veteran of the frontier fighting with Mexico and Native Americans, particularly the fierce and combative Comanche in Texas, Walker attracted a great deal of attention in the national press … and he had become a Colt believer.
According to R.L. Wilson’s Colt: An American Legend, Captain Walker and the subsequent six-shot percussion revolvers Colt produced were the “key to the mint.” Although quite large, these handguns were immediately successful and by 1847, both orders and favorable publicity were flooding Sam Colt’s mailbox. It was this gun that allowed Colt to return in triumph to Hartford, the city of his birth, and begin an industrial enterprise that, before his early and untimely death in 1862, became an empire.
Although the Mexican War ended in 1848, Europe and the U.S.A. were beset by troubles that caused demand for Colt’s now operationally-correct revolvers to skyrocket: the Crimean War, the California Gold Rush and, as farmers, adventurers and pioneers pushed west, the escalating Indian Wars.
The mighty Walker.
Walker, closeup of cylinder and frame.
WALKER MODEL
This revolver is named for Captain Samuel H. Walker, hero of combat in Texas and Mexico, where he was killed by a lance at the battle of Juamantla. More important, perhaps, Walker worked personally with Sam Colt, to design this new gun – and did not, as far as is known, request that his name be attached to patents or checks for royalties. The Walker is a massive revolver. It weighs 4 lb., 9 oz. and has a nine inch part round, part octagonal barrel. The cylinder holds six shots and is chambered for .44 cal. percussion. One thousand Walker Colts were manufactured in 1847, and nearly all of them saw extremely hard use. Originally this model had a roll engraved cylinder, military inspection marks and barrel stamping that read “ADDRESS SAML. COLT-NEW YORK CITY.” Practically all examples noted have had these markings worn or rusted beyond recognition. Because from a collector’s point of view the Walker may be the most desirable and sought after Colt, and because of the extremely high value of a Walker in any condition, qualified appraisal is definitely recommended. These revolvers were serial numbered A-, B-, C- and D-Company #1 to #220, and E-Company #1 to #120.
CIVILIAN WALKER
This limited edition model is almost identical to the military model, but has no martial markings. Guns carry serial numbers #1001 through #1100.
Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoon.
WHITNEYVILLE -HARTFORD DRAGOON
This six shot, .44-cal. percussion revolver is often referred to as a Transitional Walker. Although it is still a large gun, using some leftover Walker parts, it is shorter and lighter and handles easier than a Walker. It has a 7.5-inch part-round, part-octagonal barrel and the frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored. The remainder is blued, with a brass trigger guard and varnished walnut grips. Some of the parts used in its manufacture were left over from the earlier Walker production run. The Whitneyville-Hartford has a roll engraved cylinder scene and the barrel is stamped “ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK CITY.” Only 240 were made in late 1847 and serial numbers run from #1100 to #1340. This is an extremely rare model, and much care should be taken to authenticate any contemplated acquisition.
FIRST MODEL DRAGOON
The First Model is a large, six-shot, .44-cal. percussion revolver that weighs 4 lb. 2 oz. It has a 7.5 inch part round, part octagonal barrel. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the remainder is blued with a brass grip frame and square backed trigger guard. The trigger guard is silver plated on the Civilian Model. Another distinguishing feature of the First Model is the set of oval cylinder stop notches. The cylinder is roll engraved and early production cylinders were not blued, but left “in the white.” The barrel stampings read “ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK CITY” and “COLT’S PATENT” appears on the frame. On Military Models the letters “U.S.” also appear on the frame. Although the serial number range is from #1341 to #8000, about 7,000 were built from 1848 to 1850.
MILITARY MODEL
CIVILIAN MODEL
WALKER REPLACEMENT/FLUCK DRAGOON
This extremely rare Colt (300 produced) is sometimes referred to as the “Fluck” in memory of the man who first identified it as a distinct and separate model. They were produced in about 1848 by Colt as replacements to the military for Walkers that were no longer fit for service due to mechanical failure. These were large, six-shot, .44-cal. percussion revolvers with 7.5-inch part round, part octagonal barrels. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the remainder is blued. The grips, which are longer than other Dragoons and similar to the Walkers, are varnished walnut and bear the ordnance inspector’s mark “WAT” (for W.A. Thornton) inside an oval cartouche on one side and the letters “JH” on the other. The frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” The letter “P” appears on various parts of the gun. Serial numbers ran from #2216 to #2515. This is another model that should definitely be authenticated before any acquisition is made.
Walker Replacement/Fluck Dragoon.
Second Model Dragoon.
SECOND MODEL DRAGOON
Most of the improvements that distinguish the Second Model from the First Model are internal and thus not readily apparent. It was still a six-shot, .44 cal. pistol with a 7.5-inch barrel. Although it retained the square back trigger guard, an obvious external change was that rectangular cylinder-stop notches replaced First Model’s oval stops. There is a Civilian Model, a Military Model and an extremely rare variation that was issued to the militias of New Hampshire and Massachusetts (marked “MS.”). Serial numbered #8000 to #10700, total production of this model was approximately 2,700 revolvers in 1850 and 1851. Once again, caution is advised in acquisition.
NOTE: This advertisement appeared during the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
“Colt 2nd model U.S. Dragoon, 6-1/2 inch barrel, serial number 88XX manufactured 1850. This is a rough old Dragoon that took a lot of work to get in working order again. It is a real Dragoon with a good barrel address, patent and U.S. stamps. The barrel was shortened long ago. The serial numbers match on the frame barrel and cylinder (I found an 8). The trigger guard and back strap are serial number 76XX and the hammer is original. It has several new screws because we had to drill out the old ones. The wedge is a replacement. The action is very good and locks up correctly. The grips fit nicely and appear to be original the back strap and trigger guard. There is a lot of pitting on the cylinder so as mentioned I could only find the number 8 on it. The bore still has good rifling, roughness about a 5-6. Overall condition fair. $2,550.”
MILITARY MODEL
MILITIA MODEL
CIVILIAN MODEL
Third Model Dragoon.
THIRD MODEL DRAGOON
This is the most common of all the large six-shot, .44-cal. Colt percussion revolvers. Approximately 10,500 were manufactured from 1851 through 1861. It is quite similar in appearance to the Second Model, retaining the 7.5 inch barrel and rectangular cylinder stop slots, the most obvious external difference being the round trigger guard. The Third Model Dragoon was the first Colt revolver to come with an optional detachable shoulder stock. There are three basic types of stocks, and all are quite rare as only 1,250 were produced. There are two other major variations to note, the “C.L.” Dragoon, which was a militia issue model and is rare, and the late issue model with an 8-inch barrel. These have serial numbers above #18000, and only 50 were produced. Qualified appraisal should be secured before acquisition as many fakes abound.
MILITARY MODEL
SHOULDER STOCK CUT REVOLVERS
SHOULDER STOCKS
C.L. DRAGOON
Hand engraved, not stamped.
CIVILIAN MODEL
EIGHT INCH BARREL LATE ISSUE
Third Model Dragoon with canteen buttstock.
Hartford English Dragoon.
HARTFORD ENGLISH DRAGOON
Still a six-shot, .44-cal. pistol with a 7.5 inch barrel, this is a variation of the Third Model Dragoon. The only notable differences are British proofmarks and the distinct #1 to #700 serial number range. Other than these two features, the description of the Third Model would apply. These 4-lb., 2-oz. revolvers were manufactured in Hartford but were finished at Colt’s London factory from 1853 to 1857. Some bear the hand engraved barrel marking “ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON.” Many of the English Dragoons were elaborately engraved, and individual appraisal would be a must. Two hundred revolvers came back to America in 1861 to be used in the Civil War. As with all the early Colts, caution is advised in acquisition.
MODEL 1848 BABY DRAGOON
This is a small five-shot, .31-cal. pocket-size percussion revolver. It has an octagonal barrel that varies in length in 1-inch increments from three to six inches. Most were made without an integral loading lever, although some with loading levers have been noted. The frame, hammer and loading lever (when present) are case colored; the barrel and cylinder are blued. The grip frame and trigger guard are silver-plated brass. Barrels are stamped “ADDRESS SAML. COLT/NEW YORK CITY”. Some have been noted with the barrel address inside brackets. The frame is marked “COLT’S/PATENT.” The first 10,000 revolvers have a squared-back trigger guard, rounded cylinder stops and the Texas Ranger and Indian roll engraved cylinder scene; later guns have a stagecoach holdup scene. This is a popular model, and many fakes have been noted. Although approximately 15,500 were manufactured between 1847 and 1850, the serial range is only between #1 and #5500.
Baby Dragoon, 4-inch barrel.
TEXAS RANGER/INDIAN SCENE
NOTE: Attached loading lever add 15 percent.
STAGECOACH HOLDUP SCENE
Baby Dragoon, 3-inch barrel.
Model 1849 Pocket, blued with ivory grips.
POCKET AND ARMY, NAVY
With success on the U.S. military front based on production of his Walkers and Dragoons, Samuel Colt’s fortunes improved immediately. Thus it was an easy decision to enter the civilian market with a repeating handgun, a smaller version of the massive Walker. The first Pocket models became the hugely popular 1849s and they were so identical to the earlier guns – except in physical size – that they were often referred to as “Colt’s Baby Dragoons.”
The subsequent six-shot Navy revolvers also proved to be popular and the combination sales of these two pistols during the early ‘50s made Colt’s business financially secure. Colt even opened a manufacturing facility in London to complement his Hartford plant and to forestall European imitators and infringements on his patents.
Unfortunately for today’s collectors, parts were often interchanged between Hartford and London, even shipped back and forth across the Atlantic, and switched between models as orders were written. This makes precise identification quite difficult and opens the door for argument and perhaps even a little mystery.
MODEL 1849 POCKET
This is a small, five- or six-shot, .31 cal. percussion revolver. It has an octagonal barrel that varies from three to six inches in length in one-inch increments. Most, but not all, had loading levers and weighed a mere 1 lb., 11 oz. with the 6-inch barrel. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the cylinder and barrel are blued, the cylinder having rectangular stop slots and a stagecoach holdup roll scene. The grip frame and rounded trigger guard are made of brass and are silver plated. There are both large and small trigger guard variations noted.
Model 1849 Pocket, nickel finish.
This is the most plentiful of all the Colt percussion revolvers. Approximately 325,000 were manufactured during a 23-year period, from 1850 to 1873, and serial numbers run from about #14400 and up. There are more than 200 variations of the 1849 Pocket, and one should consult an expert for individual appraisals. Many fine publications specialize in the field of Colt percussion revolvers and these would be most helpful identifying variations. The values represented here are for the standard model.
Model 1849 Pocket, cased with accessories.
NOTE: This advertisement appeared in the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
“Colt 1849 Pocket Model, 31 cal., 4 inch barrel, 5 shot, SN 136XXX 1859. It has all matching numbers including the rammer but the wedge is un-numbered and appears not to be an original Colt wedge. It is loose but will not come out without removing the wedge screw. The action is tight and correct, no looseness between frame and barrel. The cylinder has about 70% scene and the screws are all good. The frame and barrel are smooth and not pitted, hints of color. The 2 line New York address, serial numbers and patent stamp are all sharp and readable. The back strap and trigger guard have 30% silver remaining. The original grips appear to have been re-varnished as they are in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Overall condition very good. $1,295.”
As did the following advertisement. Note that the gun and its presentation are very different from the previous, yielding a very different asking price:
“Cased 1849 Colt Pocket Model, 5 inch barrel, 2 line New York address, SN 144XXX 1858, wood case and accessories. I will start with the fact that it appears this cased 49 had some moisture damage at one time. I believe that is why it was re-lined as a French fitted case, very well done and not recently. The lid does not close all the way down on the right corner, warped slightly, sets up about a 1/4 inch, but fixable. There are two spots of pitting on the 49 on the right side where it touched the case. Those are the negatives mentioned up front. I believe this Colt has always been cased. It has 85% scene, 80% safety pins remaining, 80% thin barrel blue, 50% frame and rammer case colors and 80% silver on the trigger guard and back strap. All the serial numbers match including the rammer and wedge. The action is correct, the bore is a shiny 8 to 9 and the barrel address and patent stamps are sharp. The original grips have only a small amount of edge wear with no chips or cracks and 98% of the varnish remaining. The flask is a double faced Eagle with pistol and flask. It is in fine condition with no dents or seam openings. I see these flasks out there in this condition for $450 to $700. The Colt stamped bullet mold has most of the original blue on the inside and thin blue on the outside and does not appear to have been used. The percussion tin is empty but it is an early Eley, London marked tin. The unopened ammo pack is in excellent condition. I feel that the wood case is an original case with restoration. I have more pictures of the case and accessories, if interested I will email them to you. An early 49 pre Civil War cased Pocket model with nice accessories at a fair price. Overall condition very good plus to fine. $3,995.”
Model 1849, Wells-Fargo marked.
London Model 1849 Pocket.
LONDON MODEL 1849 POCKET
Identical in configuration to the standard 1849 Pocket Revolver, the London-made models have a higher quality finish and their own serial numbers range from #1 to #11000. They were manufactured from 1853 through 1857. The ’49 London Pocket features a roll engraved cylinder scene and the barrels are stamped “ADDRESS COL. COLT/LONDON.” The first 265 revolvers produced, known as “early models,” have brass grip frames and small, round trigger guards. They are quite rare and worth approximately 50 percent more than the “standard model,” which has a steel grip frame and large oval trigger guard. Note that parts were interchanged between Hartford and London and thus, the presence of a London barrel stamping does not preclude its production in Hartford and vice versa. British versus U.S. proofing stamps are a clue to origin.
Model 1851 Navy .36.
MODEL 1851 NAVY
This is undoubtedly the most popular percussion revolver Colt produced in the medium size and power range. It is a six-shot, .36-cal. percussion revolver with a 7.5 inch octagonal barrel and an attached loading lever weighing 2 lb., 10 oz. with the 6 inch barrel. The basic model has a case colored frame hammer and loading lever, with silver-plated brass grip frame and trigger guard. Early model trigger guards were squared and later models were rounded. Grips are varnished walnut. Colt manufactured more than 215,000 in Hartford and 42,000 in London between 1850 and 1873.
The basic Navy features a roll-engraved cylinder scene of a battle between the navies of Texas and Mexico and is marked with the date May 16, 1843. There are three distinct barrel stampings: serial numbers #1 to #74000, “ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK CITY”; serial numbers #74001 to #101000 “ADDRESS SAML. COLT HARTFORD, CT.”; and serial numbers #101001 to #215000 “ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA.” The left side of the frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT” on all variations. This model is also available with a detached shoulder stock, and values for the stocks today are nearly as high as for the revolver itself. The number of variations within the 1851 Navy designation – more than 100 from the Hartford and London factories, including one with a 12 inch barrel and peep sights – makes it necessary to read specialized text available on the subject. We furnish values for the major variations but again caution potential purchasers to acquire careful appraisals before a purchase.
Model 1851 Navy, Third Model.
NOTE: This advertisement for an 1851 Navy recently appeared at AntiqueGunList.com:
“1851 Navy, U.S. marked and militarily issued, 90XXX range (1860) and matching except for wedge (which is missing) and arbor pin (which probably was matching but has been shortened and thus SN is gone). Extremely desirable large-guard iron strapped Navy-Navy variation and having the Hartford address, which is very good as are the frame markings and serial numbers. The Naval battle cylinder scene is virtually all gone except for the serial line and some faint traces of the wave bottoms at the rear portion of the cylinder. Overall, the metal is quite nice and smooth with no appreciable heavy pitting and perhaps just some VERY minor insignificant freckling here and there. Color is basically a thin dark grey-brown over most of the surface with some patches of lighter grey on the frame area. Grips are VG, look to be the originals to this gun, but do have one mentionable chip at a toe edge on the right grip, which is visible in the one photo. Mechanically it seems to operate OK and the bore is quite decent, but the hammer spur will need to be rebuilt at the top (or hammer replaced) as it is missing about 1/2” of the thumb piece checkered portion. And as mentioned, the arbor pin (cylinder axle pin) has also been shortened and should also be replaced so as to use a standard replacement wedge. Currently, it has a small brass wedge, which does work to hold the barrel in place but quite obviously is incorrect. All in all, it is a VERY scarce and desirable military issued Navy-Navy (these iron strapped variations having been issued to the Navy and the brass strapped versions issued to the Army), and certainly WELL worthy of some minor refurbishing and restoration. Normally, these iron strapped Hartfords are priced beginning in the two to three thousand (and up) range for a similar conditioned military Navy; this one is well below that figure. And for the medium-grade collector of Navies or Civil War Martial Revolvers, this is a VERY good value and a VERY difficult gun to ever come across anywhere but the most advanced gun shows or auctions. Read the Swayze book on the Colt 1851s for a full description and rarity of this variation ...and some good in-depth research might also uncover the ship or unit it was issued to originally as well as the battle records. Good+ $1,850.”
SQUARE BACK TRIGGER GUARD, 1 ST MODEL
Barrel wedge above the screw. Serial numbered #1 to #1000.
SQUARE BACK TRIGGER GUARD, 2 ND MODEL
Screw above barrel wedge. Serial numbered #1001 to #4200
SMALL ROUND TRIGGER GUARD, 3 RD MODEL
Serial numbered #4201 to #85000.
Martially-Inspected Model 1851 Navy.
LARGE ROUND TRIGGER GUARD, 4 TH MODEL
Serial numbered #85001 to #215000.
MARTIAL MODEL
“U.S.” stamped on the left side of frame; inspector’s marks and cartouche on the grips.
SHOULDER STOCK VARIATIONS
1st and 2nd Model Revolver cut for stock only. Expert appraisal is recommended prior to a sale of these very rare variations.
STOCK ONLY
3 RD MODEL CUT FOR STOCK.
REVOLVER ONLY.
STOCK
LONDON MODEL 1851 NAVY
These revolvers are physically similar to those made in the U.S. with the exception of the barrel address, which reads “ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON” and British proofmarks are stamped on the barrel and cylinder. Approximately 42,000 were made between 1853 and 1857 with their own serial number range from #1 to #42000. There are two major variations of the London Navy, and again a serious purchaser would be well advised to seek qualified appraisal as fakes have been noted.
NOTE: At an auction at the Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn, in Manchester, New Hampshire in October, 2006 James D. Julia Auctions sold an “Outstanding cased engraved Colt Model 1851 London Navy Revolver in the English Series serial number #194 for $27,000.
This very contrasting – at least in price – advertisement appeared in the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
London Model 1851 Navy.
“Colt Percussion 1851 Navy, 36 cal., SN 13XXX manufactured in 1855. This is one of the 1851 Navies ordered by the British government for the Army in the Crimea in 1855. It has the WD under Broad Arrow stamped on the left side of the barrel with NO British proof stamps on the cylinder. The numbers all match including the rammer and wedge and are sharp and readable. This Navy was used and did not sit in a drawer or Military locker. The cylinder scene on all London Navies is lighter than the US manufactured Navies. Due to use, this one has 30% remaining with a sharp serial number. The patent stamp and barrel address are crisp and all readable. It has the domed screws heads as all London Navies should have with all being in good condition except for the wedge screw, which has the bottom potion of the head missing. There are small areas of salt and pepper pitting on the cylinder. The barrel has some thin blue and some stronger blue in protected areas. The frame, trigger guard and back strap appear to have been cleaned at some time. The action is tight and correct; the bore has strong rifling and is a 7-8. The original grips have no cracks, one medium dent in the middle of the left side and fit well. The holster is NOT part of the sales price. Overall condition very good. $2,895.”
1 ST MODEL
Serial numbered #1 to #2000 with a small round brass trigger guard and grip frame. Squareback guard is worth a 40 percent premium.
2 ND MODEL
Serial numbered #2001 to #42000, steel grip frame, and large round trigger guard.
HARTFORD MANUFACTURED VARIATION
Serial numbers in the #42000 range.
SIDE HAMMER HANDGUNS
Sometimes a practical and farsighted innovation makes the grade and sometimes it does not, for no special reason other than it does not catch the eye or the imagination of the public. Although they featured a uniquely new solid frame with screw-in barrel, spur trigger, hammer on the right side and E.K. Root’s new creeping loading lever, Sam Colt’s percussion Side Hammer Pocket Revolvers, manufactured from 1855 to 1870, were never extremely popular.
Although the civilian market was apparently becoming saturated with handguns, when Colt’s extended patent expired manufacturers such as Remington quickly entered the market. Smith and Wesson, a true competitive thorn in Colt’s paw since its inception in the mid-1800s, was not far behind.
Development of the Side Hammers – there were both pistols and long guns – is often linked in time to the dramatic expansion of the Colt factory in Hartford. (The famous blue dome with its inlay of gold stars, rebuilt after the disastrous 1864 fire, can still be seen today.)
Model 1855 Colt-Root pocket revolver.
MODEL 1855 “ROOT” POCKET
The “Root,” as it is popularly known because of the “creeping loading lever” patented by long time Colt engineer and friend E.K. Root, was the only solid frame revolver ever produced during Colt’s lifetime. It has a spur trigger, walnut grips and the hammer is mounted on the right side of the frame. The standard finish is a case colored frame, hammer and loading lever, with the barrel and cylinder blued. It is chambered for both .28 cal. and .31 cal. percussion. Each caliber has its own serial number range: #1 to #30000 for the .28 cal. and #1 to #14000 for the .31 cal. Although only 40,000 of these pistols was produced, the model nevertheless consists of seven basic variations, and the serious student should avail himself of publications that deal with this particular model in depth. Colt produced the Side Hammer Root from 1855 to 1870.
MODELS 1 AND 1A SERIAL #1 TO #384
3.5-inch octagonal barrel, .28-cal., roll engraved cylinder, Hartford barrel address without pointing hand.
MODEL 2 SERIAL #476 TO #25000
Same as Model 1 with pointing hand barrel address.
MODEL 3 SERIAL #25001 TO #30000
Same as the Model 2 with a full fluted cylinder.
MODEL 3A AND 4 SERIAL #1 TO #2400
.31 cal., 3.5 inch barrel, Hartford address, full fluted cylinder.
MODEL 5 SERIAL #2401 TO #8000
No trigger guard. A .31 cal. pistol with 3.5 inch round barrel, address “COL. COLT NEW YORK.”
MODEL 5A SERIAL #2401 TO #8000
Same .31 cal. as Model 5 with a 4.5 inch barrel.
MODELS 6 AND 6A SERIAL #8001 TO #11074
Same as Model 5 and 5A with roll engraved cylinder scene.
MODELS 7 AND 7A SERIAL #11075 TO #14000
Same as Models 6 and 6A with a screw holding in the cylinder pin.
Model 1860 Army .44.
1860 MODELS ARMY, NAVY AND POLICE PERCUSSION PISTOLS
It would be an understatement to maintain that the Civil War was a boon to firearms manufacturers such as Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co. Indeed, Colt’s thrived during the conflict, employing two ten-hour shifts and as many as 1,500 men, while more than a half million Americans died on the battlefield and more than a million were disabled for life. That is an inescapable, if terrible and unfortunate, condition of war. Colt also thrived in spite of a disastrous 1864 fire, probably the result of sabotage by Confederate sympathizers, and the subsequent rebuilding.
Lt. Colonel Samuel Colt, who would perhaps today be described as a workaholic, and was certainly the most energetic genius, died on January 10, 1862, having directed the design and manufacture of his final series of handguns. His 1860 Series – many adaptable for attachable shoulder stocks – sold more than 280,000 between 1860 and 1873, and were the last new percussion introductions in the Colt line.
MODEL 1860 ARMY REVOLVER
This model was the third most produced of the Colt percussion handguns and, with 127,156 delivered, was the primary revolver used by the Union Army during the Civil War. The 1860 Army is a six shot .44 caliber percussion revolver weighing 2 lb., 10 oz. It has either a 7.5- or an 8-inch round barrel with an integral loading lever. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the barrel and cylinder (either fluted, which is scarce, or round, which have the roll-engraved naval combat scene) are blued. The trigger guard and front strap are brass, and the backstrap is blued steel. Grips are the characteristic Colt one piece walnut. Early models have barrels stamped “ADDRESS SAML. COLT HARTFORD CT.” Later models are stamped “ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” And “COLT’S/PATENT” is stamped on the left side of the frame; “.44 CAL.,” on the trigger guard. The cylinder is roll engraved with a naval battle scene. Between 1860 and 1873, Colt manufactured 200,500 of these 1860 Army Revolvers. Serial numbers began at #1.
NOTE: This advertisement appeared in the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
“Colt 1860 Army, 8 inch barrel, 44 cal., Civilian, manufactured 1868 SN 171XXX. This is a nice ‘60 Army from the 1860s. The barrel address and patent stamp are sharp, the cylinder scene is at least 90% with a readable Engagement line. The cylinder has 30% blue and safety pins remaining. The frame has 70% case colors, the hammer has 80% and the rammer has 20%. The screws are all in good condition with blue remaining. The serial numbers all match except the wedge, which is numbered but not matching. The action is crisp and tight and the bore is a shiny 9. The barrel has 40% shiny blue remaining and the back strap has 30%. The metal is smooth, no pitting only minor dings around the right wedge opening. The original grips have 20% varnish, an old repair to the left front toe, no cracks, minor dings and fit tight. Overall condition fine to excellent. $3,650.”
MARTIAL MARKED MODEL
Model 1860 Civilian Model.
CIVILIAN MODEL
This model is found in either three or four screw variations and it may or may not be cut for a shoulder stock. Civilian models are usually better finished.
FULL FLUTED CYLINDER MODEL
Approximately 4,000 Army Models were made with full fluted cylinders, sometimes called the Cavalry Model. With 7.5- and 8-inch barrels, they appear in the first 8,000 serial numbers.
SHOULDER STOCK 2ND TYPE (FLUTED CYLINDER MODEL ) OR SHOULDER STOCK 3RD TYPE (STANDARD MODEL )
NOTE: Expert appraisals should be acquired before a purchase. These are rare accoutrements. Scarcity precludes estimating values.
MODEL 1861 NAVY REVOLVER
The 1861 Navy is a six-shot, 7.5-inch round barreled, .36-cal. percussion revolver. The frame, hammer and attached loading lever are case colored, while the barrel and cylinder are blued. The grip frame and trigger guard are silver plated brass. The grips are of one piece walnut. The cylinder has the standard Colt roll engraved naval battle scene, and the barrel stamping is “ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” The frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT” with “36 CAL.” on the trigger guard. There are not many variations within the 1861 Navy model designation, as less than 39,000 were built between 1861 and 1873. Their serial numbers begin at #1.
Model 1861 Navy.
NOTE: This advertisement appeared in the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
“Colt Percussion 1861 Navy, 7-1/2 inch barrel, 36 cal., manufactured 1865 SN 26XXX. There were only approximately 38K, ‘61 Navies manufactured between 1861-73. I bought this Navy recently at an estate sale belonging to … an old time collector and it has not been out for sale for 30 to 40 years. This is a nice example with 90 to 95% cylinder scene, 90% safety pins and a fully readable Engagement line on the edge of the cylinder. The action is tight and correct and the bore is a shiny 9+. There are traces of case color on the frame, hammer and loading lever and bright case inside the frame when the cylinder is removed. It has original blue in protected areas on the barrel. The metal is smooth with some handling dings and NO pitting. All the serial numbers match including the wedge. The screws are all good with some having original blue remaining. The original grips have no cracks or chips, one dented area on the upper left side and fit like a glove. There is a name scrolled into the trigger guard in front of the trigger, “Cayeta,” and two small dotted letters or numerals behind the hammer on the back strap. Overall condition fine. $3,150.”
CIVILIAN MODEL
MILITARY MODEL
Marked “U.S.” on frame, inspector’s cartouche on grip; 650 were marked “U.S.N.” on the butt.
SHOULDER STOCK MODEL
Only 100 3rd type stocks were made. They appear between serial #11000 and #14000. These are very rare revolvers. Caution should be exercised when purchase is considered.
REVOLVER
STOCK
NOTE: Expert appraisals should be acquired before a purchase. These are rare accoutrements.
Model 1862 Pocket Navy.
FLUTED CYLINDER MODEL
Approximately the first 100 were made with full fluted cylinders.
NOTE: Expert appraisals should be acquired before a purchase. These are very rare.
MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY
This is a small five-shot, .36-cal. percussion revolver that resembles the configuration of the 1851 Navy. It has either a 4.5-, a 5.5- or a 6.5-inch octagonal barrel with an attached loading lever. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the barrel and cylinder are blued. The grip frame and trigger guard are silver plated brass; and the one piece grips are varnished walnut. The Colt stagecoach holdup scene is roll engraved on the cylinder. The frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT” and the barrel, “ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” About 19,000 were manufactured between 1861 and 1873. Pocket Navy revolvers are serial numbered in the same range as the Model 1862 Police. Because a great many were used for metallic cartridge conversions, they are rare today. The London Address Model with blued steel grip frame would be worth more than the standard model.
NOTE: This advertisement appeared in March of 2007 at GunBroker.com:
“Colt 1862 Pocket Navy engraved. This is one of the best looking Colt Pocket Navys I have seen. The engraving covers the frame and approximately half of the barrel. The backstrap and trigger guard also have good coverage. The hammer and the loading lever have a good amount of engraving as well. I recently had this Pocket Navy examined by an author of one of the well known Colt Pocket Pistol books. He told me he was certain the pistol was engraved in house by one of the Ulrich brothers. The blue is mostly gone on this pistol. I don’t know if it didn’t have blue or was cleaned. The edges are still sharp and the lettering is sharp and easy to read. Nearly all of the silver is still present on the backstrap and trigger guard. The hammer and the frame still retain a very good amount of case color. What can you say about the color of nicely aged ivory grips. These grips fit as you would expect factory fitted grips to fit. This pistol boasts all matching numbers including the grips. The wedge does not have a number, but appears to be 100% original. The bore shows use, but is in good condition. Check out the pictures of the cylinder scene. The scene is great. It is one of the few pistols I have seen that you can actually tell what is on the cylinder. This Colt 1862 Engraved Pocket Navy functions flawlessly. The lockup is very tight and everything is as you would expect it to be. This is a very rare and tastefully done Colt 1862 Engraved Pocket Navy. Bid with confidence. A three day look is fine. Please ask questions prior to bidding. Prefer guaranteed funds. Shipping is $50 USPS, registered mail. This is an antique so shipping is to your door. Have fun!”
1862 Police Revolver.
Bidding for this antique firearm closed at $7,100 but did not reach the seller’s reserve.
STANDARD PRODUCTION MODEL
NOTE: Longer barrels will bring a premium over the 4.5 inch length.
MODEL 1862 POLICE REVOLVER
This is a slim, attractively designed revolver that some consider the most aesthetically pleasing of all the Colt percussion designs. It has a five-shot, half-fluted cylinder chambered for .36 cal. and is offered with a 3.5-, 4.5, 5.5- or 6.5-inch round barrel. The frame, hammer and loading lever are case colored; the barrel and cylinder, blued. The grip frame is silver plated brass; and the unitary, one piece grips are varnished walnut. The barrel is stamped “ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA” and the frame has “COLT’S/PATENT” on the left side. One of the cylinder flutes is marked “PAT. SEPT. 10 1850.” Nearly 28,000 Police Revolvers were manufactured between 1861 and 1873. Many were converted to metallic cartridge use, so they are quite scarce on today’s market. The London Address Model would be worth approximately twice the value of the standard model. Police with 3.5 inch barrels, known as the Trapper’s Model, are extremely rare and possibly only 50 were built.
NOTE: The following advertisement appeared in the Spring of 2007 at AntiqueGunList.com:
“Colt Percussion, 1862 Pocket Police, 4-1/2 inch barrel, fluted cylinder, 36 cal., SN 17XXX manufactured 1863. An excellent example of a Civil War era Colt Pocket Police with all matching numbers including the wedge. This Colt has seen very little use in 144 years. It has NO pitting, a few small nicks on the cylinder and barrel only. There is No pitting on the hammer, recoil shield or nipples. The action is tight as new and the bore is a shiny 9+ with only a couple of very light rough spots. The screws retaining light blue, they are in excellent condition and do not appear to have been removed. The frame has 85% case, the rammer has 80% and the hammer has 95% case. The cylinder and barrel have thin blue on almost all areas darker in the protected locations. The serial numbers, patent stamps and barrel address are sharp and crisp with no wear. The back strap and trigger guard have 20 to 30% thin silver remaining. The fine original grips have 98% of the varnish, no chips or cracks and only minor dings in the varnish. A great example of a Civil War Colt Pocket in overall fine to excellent condition. $3,695.”
STANDARD PRODUCTION MODEL
NOTE: Longer barrels will bring a premium over the 3.5- or 4.5-inch length.
