The Colt Belt Model Paterson Revolver No. 2 was manufactured circa 1837 to 1840 in Paterson, New Jersey. A total of approximately 400 were made and serial numbered 1 through 850 along with the No. 2 Belt Model which shares its serial numbering. The Belt Model series was the only group of Paterson revolvers produced having two types of grips. They are the straight and flared style grip. The standard Model is identified as follows:
Medium 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 3" to 6" with rifling of eleven grooves and lands; .31 caliber (some appear to be .34 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 squareback (early) although the majority 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, ivory, buffalo horn 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. |
