The Colt Pocket or Baby Model Paterson Revolver No. 1 was manufactured circa 1837 to 1838 in Paterson, New Jersey. A total of approximately 500 were made and serial numbered 1 through 500. This was the smallest revolver manufactured by Samuel Colt. The standard Model is identified as follows:
Small size frame; straight grip; Barrels marked: ‘-Patent Arms M'g Co Paterson N-J. -Colt's Pt.-’ reading breech to muzzle; Octagonal barrel lengths from 1¾" to 4¾" with rifling of eleven grooves and lands; .28 caliber with folding trigger; without an attached loading lever; five shot cylinder roll engraved with the decoration of a centaur motif, including COLT within the four-horse-head trademark.; rear of the 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 ivory or mother-of–pearl grips and case hardened hammers. 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. |
