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Rare, Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Cartridge Conversion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Rare, Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Cartridge Conversion Revolver
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This is a rare example of a Factory Engraved Colt Model of Navy Caliber revolver with Mason-Richard cartridge conversion and ejector manufactured between 1873 and 1875. The revolver has a blue barrel and cylinder, casehardened frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece walnut grip has a high polish varnish finish. The revolver is factory engraved with the late production vine scrollwork described by R.L. Wilson in "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING VOLUME ONE". A Colt Model 1862 Police revolver with very similar factory engraving is illustrated on page 273 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING VOLUME ONE". The Colt designation for engraving "E" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame and back strap next to the serial number. "IE" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". "COLTS/PATENT" is engraved in a panel on the left side of the frame. "36 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The "6" has been over-stamped to "8". The full serial number, "41361", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame and trigger guard. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "1361". The back strap is serial numbered "42955/E". The engraving on the back strap matches the engraving on the rest of the revolver. In "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS", R.L. Wilson notes that Colt Pocket Model Navy revolvers with "engraved decorations" are extremely rare.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38 CF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 41361
Condition: Fine as assembled (See above). The revolver retains 30% of the original finish. Traces of the original blue finish are present on the barrel and cylinder, most of the barrel and cylinder have aged to a smooth dark patina. The case colors on the hammer and frame have a dark silver-gray patina. The trigger guard and back strap retain 40% of the tarnished silver plated finish. The engraving on the barrel, frame and hammer is crisp and deep. The cylinder retains 90% of the roll-engraved stage hold-up scene. The grip is excellent with nearly all of the original varnish and only very minor handling wear. This is a fine example of a rare factory engraved Colt Pocket Navy Conversion revolver.