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Desirable Colt Belt Model Paterson Revolver No. 2 with Factory Case and Accessories

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:42,500.00 USD Estimated At:85,000.00 - 130,000.00 USD
Desirable Colt Belt Model Paterson Revolver No. 2 with Factory Case and Accessories
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Estimate: $85000 - 130000
This is a highly sought after example of a Colt Belt Model Paterson Revolver No. 2 with the original factory case and accessories. Colt manufactured approximately 850 Belt Model No. 2 revolvers at the Paterson, New Jersey, factory between 1837 and 1840. Experts believe that fewer than 250 of these revolvers still exist today and only a small number retain the original factory cases. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, frame, grip straps and hammer. The straight grips are highly figured walnut with a high polish 'piano' finish. The five-shot, square back, cylinder is roll engraved with the centaur hunting scene. This No. 2, Model C, revolver has the distinctive square-back cylinder, flared barrel lug, double curve barrel lug, flat butt and is in the correct 100-200 serial number range. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-Patent Arms Mg Co Paterson N.J. Colt's Pt.-" with small arrows at either end of the legend. The serial number, "185", is visible on the rear of the barrel lug, the wedge, the rear face of both cylinders, on the left side of the trigger, on the cylinder plate in the trigger slot and on the bottom right edge of the grip. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a Colt factory case with accessories. The rectangular, varnished mahogany case has a beveled lid inlaid with a silver plate with scalloped edges. The case interior has a ribbed, brown velvet lining and is fitted with wire retainers to secure the accessories. The case contains the distinctive Paterson accessories that include: (1) a spare five-shot square back cylinder with matching serial number "185", (2) an iron single cavity round ball mold with wooden handles on both blocks and the spruce cutter, (3) a Paterson No. 2 combination tool that incorporates a ball seater, screw-driver, nipple wrench, and nipple pick, (4) brass mounted charger for a Belt Model No. 2 revolver numbered "54" on the bottom and on the sides of both compartments and (5) brass cleaning rod with a turned walnut head.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 34 Percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 185
Condition: Very fine as possible factory refurbished. The pistol retains nearly 90% of the high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame and cylinder. The barrel, frame and cylinder have scattered edge wear and the grip strap and backstrap have aged to a silver-gray patina. The grips have been re-finished but remain in very good condition. The hammer appears to be an expertly executed replacement. The barrel markings are sharp and the cylinder scene is at least 90% complete. The action is crisp and functions well. The case exterior is in very good condition with moderate handling wear. The brown velvet case lining is in good overall condition. The lining shows some large compression and oil stains, The spare cylinder has some scattered and very light pitting near the rear face. The iron bullet mold blocks and spruce cutter have faded a smooth, brown patina and the wooden handles remain in very good condition. The combination tool has a gray patina and is fully functional. The charger shows moderate wear and has crisp markings and a mellow age patina on both the brass and copper components. The cleaning rod has an attractive age patina. The capper is a modern reproduction.The Colt Paterson revolvers are historically important and rare in any condition. This is one of a handful of Belt Model Paterson No. 2 revolvers in high condition with the original case. No advanced Colt collection is complete without an example of a Colt Paterson Model revolver.