This is an extraordinary example of an extremely rare factory engraved, Colt Paterson No. 2 Belt Model revolver with eight silver bands manufactured between 1837 and 1840. The revolver has a 5 1/2 inch, .34 caliber barrel and five-shot round back cylinder. The straight walnut grip has a flat butt. The barrel lug has a double curve. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "- Patent Arms Mg Co Paterson N-J Colt's Pt.-" with arrows at either end of the legend. The legend reads from the breech to the muzzle. The serial number "506" is stamped on the front face of the barrel lug, the underside of the wedge, the breech end of the cylinder and on the cylinder turning ring. All of the visible serial numbers match. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Colt centaur and horsemen scene. The hammer spur has heart-shaped knurling. The revolver is factory inlaid with eight silver bands (the most bands found on any Paterson revolver is ten) and has a scalloped German silver escutcheon inlaid on the back strap. The sides and bottom of the frame, recoil shields, hammer, back strap, and sides of the barrel lug are decorated with vine scroll-work on a plain background. An anchor is engraved on both sides of the barrel lug and a hound and sunburst are engraved on the underside of the frame behind the trigger. Engraved Colt Paterson revolvers are extremely rare. Colt Paterson expert R.L. Wilson stated in "THE PATERSON COLT BOOK" that only 5-7% of the approximately 2,850 Colt Paterson handguns were engraved. This revolver may be the only Colt Paterson decorated with the unique combination of eight inlaid silver bands, vine scroll-work and an anchor motif.

Very good. The revolver has a dark untouched patina with scattered pitting. The pitting on the cylinder partially obscures the roll-stamped centaur and horsemen scene. The engraving is clear and the Colt legend on the barrel remains legible. The anchor motifs on the sides of the barrel lug are sharp. The escutcheon plate appears to have been engraved but the inscription has been removed. The grips are in good overall condition with a few minor repairs, traces of the original varnish finish and scattered handling marks. The initials "J.S." were neatly period cut in the left side of the grip and have wear on top. The grip shows minimal shrinkage. Mechanically very good. All Paterson Colt revolvers are rare and highly desirable. Paterson Colts with inlaid silver bands or engraving are extremely rare. This revolver has a unique combination of multiple inlaid silver bands, scroll engraving and distinctive anchor motif which almost certainly indicates the revolver was intended by Samuel Colt as a presentation piece for an important patron.