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LOT 3250
Exceptional Civil War Era Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver -
Serial no. 16897, 36 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1863, during the middle of the Civil War era. The Colt Model 1862 Police, known in the
period as “Colt’s Police Pistol” and “Colt’s New Model Revolving Police Pistol,” is one of the most attractive and most advanced
of all of the Colt percussion revolvers. The ‘62 Police combines improvements from the Model 1860 Army such as the creeping loading
lever, round barrel, and rebated cylinder with the smaller Model 1849 Pocket’s size while also offering more firepower per shot than Colt’s
early pocket models. It was the last model released during Samuel Colt’s life and would have been an excellent choice for the new police
departments starting to become more common around the country in the mid-19th century. It has a cone front sight, “ADDRESS COL SAML
COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA” on the top of the barrel, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, “36 CAL” and “8” on the left side of the
trigger guard, and all matching visible serial numbers.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 97% vibrant original case colors, and 30% original silver plated finish concentrated
mostly around the trigger guard. Grip is very fine with most of the original glossy varnish finish, a few nicks and handling marks, tight fitment, and distinct edges.
Mechanically excellent. One will look a long time to find a better example of a Colt Model 1862 Police revolver!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3249
Excellent Colt Pocket Navy
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 1726, 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished walnut grips. The Colt Collector’s
Association now lists this model as manufactured from 1865 until 1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000.
However, Colt currently lists this revolver as a “Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber” manufactured within the same range as Police
revolvers. The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture also remain disputed. Regardless of the specific name or date,
these are rare and desirable Colts. This is an excellent example of a Colt Pocket Navy revolver. This model has been known to collectors
by various names over the years, including Model of 1853, Model 1862 Pocket Navy, Pocket Model 1865 of Navy Caliber, Pocket Model of
Navy Caliber, and most simply: the Pocket Navy. This model is based upon improved steels and the rebated cylinder design first used on
Colt’s Model 1860 Army revolvers and also used on the Model 1862 Police. These offered more fire power while still remaining the same size as the popular Model 1849
Pocket. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach
holdup scene and “COLT’S PATENT” above the matching number in a panel. “COLTS/PATENT” marked on the left side of the frame and “36 CAL” stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction
with the frame. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 85% bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown patina on the balance, 95% on the cylinder, 90% vivid original case colors on the loading lever,
frame, and hammer, 30% original silver plated finish strongest around the trigger guard and top of the back strap, attractive bright golden patina on the exposed brass, with an absolutely crisp cylinder
scene and markings. Grip is also excellent, with nearly all of the original glossy piano varnish finish, some dings and scratches, tight fitment, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional
Colt Pocket Navy revolver would make a fine addition to any Colt collection!
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000