This "Colt's Police Pistol" was manufactured in 1862 during the American Civil War and would most likely have been an presentation piece for a Union officer fighting in "The War Between the States." It features beautiful factory flowing scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds and floral accents as well as entwining line motifs on the cylinder and the wolf's head motif on the hammer. Additionally, the loading lever, cylinder, and hammer are gold plated; the barrel, frame, and grip straps are silver plated; and it is fitted with a stunning antique ivory grip. All of the visible serial numbers match, and the factory dot marking designating the revolver for special finishing is marked above or below the serial numbers along the bottom. It comes in a fitted case with an assortment of projectiles, a flask, Eley Bros. cap tin, and "36 P." and "COLTS/PATENT" marked blued ball/bullet mold.

Very fine, with 85% plus period replated gold and silver finish, some aged patina, and minor age and storage related wear. The engraving and markings remain distinct. The attractive grip is also very fine and has attractive natural tones, minor age stress lines, and slight chipping at the heel on the left. Mechanically excellent. The relined case is very good with mild storage wear including some slight separation of the joints, and the other accessories are very fine with light age and storage wear. This is a beautiful preserved example of the incredibly fine presentation arms being crafted by Colt during the Civil War.