Colt 1862 Pocket Police Revolver - Early 1st Year Production - Nice!

This is an early Civil War vintage Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver in .36 Caliber with 4 1/2" barrel.   While today, we collectors call this the Model 1862, like the 1851 Navy, production for this model actually began a year earlier than the Model designation in 1861.   Colt cranked out 8,500 units of the Pocket Police and Pocket Navy that first year and I've always wondered how many shipped South before the conflict began.  This particular example is in the 4,600 range with all matching numbers including the wedge.   For a Colt produced during the first year of the Civil War, it's in remarkably nice shape with a considerable amount of original finish.  It's been kept for over 30 years in an old Atlanta Collection and the owner noted that back in the early 70s when he acquired it, nice Colts were much easier to find than they are today.  He also noted that many were still coming from their original families, having been passed down to 2nd and 3rd generations.   At any rate, the point we're trying to make is this is a really nice untouched example of a Colt percussion revolver.

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Fine.   The barrel still shows approximately 80% bright original blue that is mixed with a little light freckling.   The cylinder has turned mostly to patina which ranges from grey to brown with approximately 20% original blue located mostly between the rebate (where the back of the cylinder steps down) and the stop notches.   You won't believe the stop notches on the back of the cylinder...all five of them have survived with four in perfect condition.   The case colors on the frame are smoky and faded mostly to a silver to gray patina with traces of stronger colors around the screws, against the recoil shield and just forward of the COLT'S PATENT marking.   Hammer shows some bright flashes of color...about 25% overall with the balance turning to patina.   Loading lever has 25% case colors.  The brass trigger guard retains 75% original silver plating overall while the back strap has a cumulative 35-40% silver remaining only it's a little more dispersed between the top area near the frame and along the butt of the grips.   The walnut grips have 95% original varnish remaining and they are a joy to behold.   The varnish has a nice glowing lustre to it but when you look closely, you can see fine lines and crazing along the surfaces...its way of telling us it's really old.   One little chip along the front corner (which could be easily fixed if desired); otherwise, the grips are perfect.   Mechanically, the action is perfect.  It's hard to put it into words when describing mechanical motion this Colt almost talks to you.  It's nice and snappy with crisp clicks...not sluggish and everything sort of moves with purpose.   Barrel to frame fit is tight and perfect with no play or looseness.   The wedge still has most of its original blue and is hard to pop out, it's still so tight.  The bore is good+...nice and bright with sharp rifling but some scattered pits from black powder...which is pretty much a given on most percussion weapons of this era.   All in all, this one is just an exceptionally nice example of a first year production Pocket Police at a fair price.

Item# 1101

SOLD