A GREAT CONDITION IDENTIFIED MODEL 1862 COLT POLICE REVOLVER

A GREAT CONDITION IDENTIFIED MODEL 1862 COLT POLICE REVOLVER

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$3,250.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-7530

In 1861 Colt introduced two new pocket model revolvers in caliber .36. These two new models were known as the Model 1862 Police and the Model 1862 Pocket Navy; neither were earmarked for the police or the navy. This .36 caliber revolver had a five shot fluted cylinder and the grip frame and trigger guard that were of Colt Pocket size and style. It had a round barrel, a creeping loading lever and was available in barrel lengths 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches. Called the Model 1862 it went into production as early as late 1860 (not 1861) and would remain in production until the end of the Colt percussion era in 1873.

This excellent Colt Police Revolver bears a serial number of “7888”. All numbers match throughout. The 4 1/2-inch-long barrel has 60% original factory heat bluing. The top of the barrel is marked in a single line with the usual New York address and reads: “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The 2-piece loading lever has evidence of case color but has turned to a gray/blue. The frame bears 70% original case-hardened color that has faded some, and all its 3 screws are blued. The lower left side of the frame, forward of the cylinder is marked in two lines, “COLT’S PATENT”. The 5 shot cylinder has 75% original blue. One of the cylinder flutes is marked, “PAT. SEPT. 10TH 1850”. The hammer has 35% light case colors. The mechanics are perfect. All brass furniture trigger assembly and back-strap have 70% silver plating which is understandably tarnished. ".36 CAL" is marked on the left side of the trigger assembly. The barrel’s rifled bore is excellent but could be cleaned up a bit. The walnut grip is in perfect condition with 90% factory varnish but there are a couple of minor wear spots.

This very fine Model 1862 Colt Police revolver is identified to a Massachusetts officer by a well-executed hand engraving in running script down the back strap. The inscription reads, "Presented to Capt. O. R. Shaw Boston Mass 1861." Oren R. Shaw, prior to his enlistment in the fall of 1861 and immediate elevation to the captaincy of Company C 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, was earlier that year a 1st lieutenant in the Light Dragoons of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He, a New Yorker, was 42 at the time of his enlistment and his great age for a soldier probably explains his resignation in January of 1862. Interestingly, in his records there is a notation that he was preparing, prior to his cavalry involvement, to join the 27th Ohio Infantry; this was in August of 1861, his rank captain.  It was probably at this juncture that he was presented with this Model 1862 Colt Police revolver which would be an appropriate side arm for a foot officer. Here are links to information on the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry (https://archive.org/details/historyoffirstre00crow/page/333/mode/1up?q=Shaw) and the 27th Ohio Infantry (27th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry | Ohio Civil War).

This Model 1862 Colt Police revolver is in very fine condition and wanting more in-depth research.  [pe][ph:L]

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