The Fourth Model Ehlers pocket revolver or Improved No. 1 Pocket Model Small Size Frame is a separate model from the Colt Pocket or Baby Model Paterson Revolver No. 1 revolver. It was manufactured circa 1840 to 1843 in Paterson, New Jersey by John Ehlers who took over the Paterson company after it went bankrupt. These revolvers were made up from semi-finished parts that were completed by Ehlers with his own modifications. A total of approximately 500 were made and serial numbered 1 on up. They were serial numbered along with the Fifth Model Ehlers Belt revolver or Improved No. 2 Belt Model revolver. The standard Model is identified as follows:
Small size frame with capping channel on the recoil shield; straight grip beveled at the butt; Barrels marked: '-Patent Arms Paterson N-J. -Colt's Pt.-' reading breech to muzzle ("M'g Co." removed from the roll die); Octagonal barrel lengths from 2" to 3" with rifling of eleven grooves and lands; .28 caliber with folding trigger; with attached loading lever assembly as standard; five shot cylinder roll engraved with the decoration of a centaur motif, including COLT within the four-horse-head trademark.; rear of the 31/32" cylinder were rounded; varnished walnut two-piece grips; blued finish to all parts; serial numbers stamped on all major parts (the revolver needs to be disassembled to observe serial numbers).
As with most Colt firearms there are always exceptions to the rule with some engraved examples known and also those with silver-plated back-straps and frames, also select walnut, ivory or mother-of-pearl grips. Values depend on condition, rarity and provenance. Some specimens are cased.
For in-depth reference on Paterson pistols see 'The Paterson Colt Book featuring the Dennis A. Levett Collection' by R.L. Wilson. |
