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LOT 3244
Extraordinary and Rare Colt
Improved Model No. 1 (Ehlers
4th Model) “Baby Paterson” Percussion
Revolver with Case and Accessories - Serial
no. 63, 28 cal., 3 1/8 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, varnished
walnut grips. This Ehlers improved Colt Paterson Pocket Model
(Fourth Model Ehlers Pocket) revolver was completed by John Ehlers after
his acquisition of Samuel Colt’s Patent Arms Manufacturing Co. John Ehlers was
one of the earliest investors in the Patent Arms Manufacturing Co. He purchased
the company at auction and acquired an estimated 536 incomplete Colt Paterson No.
1 and No. 2 revolvers and advertised “Colt’s Patent Repeating Fire-Arms With the Latest
Improvement of 1843 and 1844” in 1844 and 1845 in New York. This revolver has the distinctive Ehlers attached loading lever with
retaining spring and cylinder with rounded rear and ratchet teeth rather than the cylinder turning ring found on early Colt Paterson
revolvers. In addition, the top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend “Patent Arms Paterson. N.J.-Colt’s Pt..” which eliminates the “M’g
Co.” marking found on Colt Paterson revolvers. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the centaur scene and the “COLT” four horse-head trademark. The
barrel has a post front sight. The revolver has a casehardened hammer and loading lever, varnished walnut grip with beveled butt, and blued finish on the remaining metal.
The matching serial number “63” is on the wedge, barrel lug, rear of the cylinder, frame, and trigger and is also likely marked on the grip straps and grip. Includes a re-lined
fitted case with a eagle pattern “COLTS PATENT” pocket flask, rod, Masonic pocket knife, screwdriver, and some lead balls. The consignor indicated the revolver had passed
from Robert Ables to John S. duMont and then to Dr. Black’s collection.
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