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LOT 270
Rare Ehlers Fifth Model Improved
Colt Paterson No. 2 Belt Model
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 60,
34 cal., 3 1/16 inch octagon bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. This Colt Paterson revolver was
manufactured by Colt in 1836-1840 and completed and sold by
former Patent Arms Manufacturing Co. secretary and treasurer John Ehlers
in the 1840s after the company failed. These revolvers had improvements
over the earlier Patersons that were later seen on Colt’s revolvers such as
the capping cutout, loading levers, and rounded back cylinders rotated by a
hand and ratchet. In 1845, Ehlers was advertising in The Evening Post that he had “Colt’s
Repeating Pistols, Carbines and Shot Guns” available for sale at 171 Broadway in New York
City. The advertisement noted the pistols had “the latest Improvements of 1843 and 1844” which included
the rammer and stated “Colt’s Patent, Pocket, Belt and Holster Pistols, with the rammer attached, is the latest and most
approved of improvement in fire arms, and for safety, sure fire accuracy and distance, they are inferior to none.” He even
claimed the shorter pistols could effectively be fired with only a cap and ball and no powder. This pistol has as short barrel
marked with the “- Patent Arms Paterson N-J Colt’s Pt -” with a brass post front sight installed through the “Pt” marking. The
marking lacks the “M’g Co” found on Colt Paterson revolvers and has a space where the marking was removed from the die. The
loading lever is secured by a dovetail mounted spring on the underside of the barrel. The cylinder has ratcheted teeth on the back that
directly engage the hand. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the centaur scene and “COLT” four horsehead motif. The hammer has coarse
knurling on the spur. The serial number “60” is stamped on the wedge, barrel lug, rear of the cylinder, and the frame below the arbor pin.
CONDITION: Good with a mix of period refurbished blue and plum colors finish and smooth gray and brown patina, light oxidation and pitting,
and fairly minor overall wear mostly from age and storage. The grip is fine and has strong original varnish, some flaking, and mild scratches
and dings. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500