Synopsis:

Wonderful Colt 1862 Pocket Police Revolver, a .36 caliber antique firearm produced between 1862-1873, with 4.5-inch barrel and lightened fluted cylinder, this example with a presentation inscription dated February 8, 1869, cased with original accessories and documentation.

Description:

Standard configuration ANTIQUE Colt 1862 Pocket Police Revolver chambered in .36 Percussion, approximately 20,00 made 1862-1873, with lightened fluted cylinder, this example in presentation case with accessories. Cone/Pin front sight and notched hammer rear sight. Round 4 1/2" in barrel with single line address on top of barrel referencing address and manufacturer. “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, “36CAL” on the left side of the silvered trigger guard. Five digit SN “41716” repeated on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt. “PRESENTED TO THOS H. MEFSENGER / by LEWIS SHELDON / FEB. 8TH 1869” scribed on backstrap. Blued barrel and cylinder; color case hardened hammer, frame, loading lever, and trigger; silver plated brass trigger guard and (hand)strap. Complete with: presentation case (no key), black powder flask, two percussion cap tins, COLT patented bullet mold, combination nipple wrench/screwdriver, and a host of supporting archival documents to include an original signed letter by Norm Flayderman dated Oct 2011.

Condition:

VG+ bright original finish with cylinder fading and flaking as expected, comparable condition color case-hardened parts with generalized fading, much of the silver on the brass frame has worn off, particularly on the areas normally handled, especially the backstrap, the inscription remaining well detailed. Grips retain most of the original factory varnish with a few, very superficial, handling marks. Bright bore. Correct manual mechanics. Bullet mold, combination nipple remover/screwdriver, brass powder flask, and percussion cap tins in similar condition. Walnut presentation case whose forest green interior has the expected stains and minor losses as one would expect from an ensemble in this condition. Interesting associated documentation, as the presenting party's name has been variously spelled Mefsinger and Messenger; fortunately there is uniformity in the spelling and attribution to the recipient Lewis Sheldon. A wonderful Colt 1862 Pocket Police revolver, cased with correct accouterments and a ream of associated documentation, that should satisfy any serious collector