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LOT 175
Outstanding Presentation Cased Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 40859, 36 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. 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. Most examples show signs of use unlike this example which remains in absolutely outstanding condition and is complete with a case and accessories. 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” on the left side of the trigger guard, and all matching visible serial numbers. It comes in a fitted hardwood case with an Eley Bros. cap
tin, blued Colt patent dual cavity bullet mold, several bullets and balls, a double sided Great Seal of the U.S. themed powder flask, and a cartridge pack. This revolver is featured on pages 76-77 of “American Arms Collectors- Percussion Colts and Their Rivals: The Al Cali Collection” by R.L. Wilson.
CONDITION: Excellent. 95% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, 98% of the original vibrant case colors, and 60% of the original silver plating remain. The silver and exposed brass display attractive age darkened patina. The revolver exhibits mostly only light handling and storage wear. The markings are crisp. The grip is also excellent and has nearly all of the original varnish remaining and minimal edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also excellent and have minor storage wear, 90% original blue on the mold, and most of the lacquer on the flask. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to improve upon this example!
Provenance: The L. Allan Caperton Collection; The Al Cali Collection; The Norm Vegely Collection. Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000