Colt 1862 Police Revolver w/ Low 3-Digit SN# & Hartford Address

This is an early Colt 1862 Police Percussion Revolver that's first year production with a low serial number in the 800 range and a scarce pre-Civil War Hartford barrel address.   It's also one of a handful of Model 1862 revolvers mfd with an iron trigger guard and backstrap w/ No British Proofs.   Standard 5-shot semi-fluted cylinder with the less common full 6-1/2" barrel.   All matching numbers throughout including the wedge, cylinder, and arbor pin. See photos.

Given the serial number, this was most likely manufactured in the first few weeks of January 1861: a time in which several southern states were preparing for war and joining the secession from the Union.   During this time, several thousand Colt Revolvers shipped south.  Once the war began in April 1861, Colt quickly changed his barrel address from Hartford (where the factory was located) back to New York (where the company's sales office was based).   The reason for the Hartford address (approx. 1859-61) was most likely to have been the appeasement of Colt's southern customers who viewed New York as the central base of the abolitionist movement.  With the war begun and no more pistols shipping south, Colt quickly went back to using the New York address.   That said, with such a low serial number, 1861 manufacture, and a Hartford barrel address, we know this is one of the few 1862's produced that was commercially available to the South during the small 5-6 month window between Abraham Lincoln's election in late 1860 and the beginning of the Civil War the following April.   Whether it stayed north or went south, this would have almost certainly ended up in the hands of a Union or Confederate soldier headed off to war.  In terms of history, they don't get any better than this.

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good.  The metal is mostly a light gray that's turning to a light brown patina.   There is approximately 5% original silver plating remaining on the trigger guard and back strap.   There is even a patch of original blue down in one of the cylinder flutes between the chambers along with a small amount in front of the barrel ratchet.   Good legible markings throughout.   Grips are Fine condition with 90% original varnish with a few minor handling marks.   No chips, cracks, or repairs with excellent fit to the straps and frame.   Good to Very Good screws throughout...a few in protected areas retain original blue.  The action works perfectly with excellent mechanics.   Everything is tight with no barrel wobble or play.   Good bore with strong rifling.   All in all, this is a nice little '62 Police with a lot going for it which includes an historically important 1861 production date, low SN#, scarce iron straps, Hartford barrel address, and desirable 6-1/2" barrel.

Item# 1180

SOLD