This is an absolutely gorgeous example of a desirable Colt Model 1839 Paterson carbine, as made at the Colt factory from leftover parts c. 1910. According to page 49 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, "Approximately twelve carbines were plain, without roll engraved scenes or concentric circles. These specimens were made from parts discovered in the Colt factory by Albert Foster Jr., in about 1910. Foster, a Colt employee and for many years manager of the New York office, had the cylinders made and fitted; the ratchet teeth on these cylinders were integral, the barrels were browned and included a clearance cut at the back (thus the serial numbers there were removed). Known specimens of these Albert Foster Model carbines are Serial #662, #690, and #836. The dozen carbines are considered to have been returned to the Patent Arms company or to the Colt Hartford factory for replacement of the original burst cylinders. Foster retailed his restored guns to collectors for a maximum price of $75." Reportedly, only 950 of the original Colt Paterson Model 1839s are estimated to have been manufactured c. 1838-1841 by Samuel Colt's Paterson, New Jersey factory, the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company. The navy and army of the Republic of Texas purchased and utilized Colt's advanced carbine, and these purchases led to Colt's use of the Naval Battle of Campeche as the scene on the Model 1851 Navy and subsequent models. The U.S. Navy also purchased 360, and they are known to have been used during the Mexican-American War. R.L. Wilson wrote this model was "The most practical and popular of all Colts longarms from the Paterson period," and also indicated that Samuel Colt continued to sell and display this model into the 1850s. The Model 1839 is featured in multiple paintings by famous frontier artist George Catlin that were used to promote Colt's early firearms. On top of being the best of the Paterson long guns, this model is also significant as one of the first practical repeating long gun designs. There had been other repeating firearms in the past, but none of these were remotely as useful and many were unsuited to production on a large scale. Important period oval bordered cartouche stamps containing the initials "J.R. H. Jr." are located on the left and on the bottom of the stock; the legendary collection stamp of John Rogers Hegeman, Jr. (August 10th, 1872-October 25th, 1923), vice president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, of New York, son of John Rogers Hegeman, Sr., president of Metropolitan Life, who was truly a pioneer as one of the earliest serious collectors of Colt firearms and had very strong connections with the Colt factory. His initials are found on many rare and exotic Colts, including various serial number 1 production guns. The .525 caliber (approximately 32 bore) smoothbore barrel has a post front sight and dovetail mounted "V" notch rear sight. The matching serial number "517" is marked on the wedge, interior of the barrel lug slot, rear of the cylinder, and toe of the buttplate. Brown finished barrel, blue finished cylinder, recoil shields, upper tang, trigger guard, wedge and trigger, with casehardened lower frame tang and buttplate. The carbine is mounted with a smooth stock and has a scrolling iron trigger guard and iron buttplate. Provenance: The J.R. Hegeman Jr. Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine as Colt factory built from leftover components. Retains 85% plus brown finish on the barrel with a few patches of minor oxidation visible on the right towards the muzzle. 95% plus high polish blue finish remains on the cylinder, recoil shields and upper tang with virtually no firing evidence visible around the cylinder percussion nipples, some minor finish flaking at the edges of the recoil shields, and 70% plus high polish blue finish on the trigger guard with some flaking to smooth gray patina on the balance. 95% captivating case colors remain on the lower frame tang with some scattered minor surface freckling, and strong patterns of case colors showing on the buttplate. All markings and edges in the metal are sharp. The stock is very fine, retaining most of the outer varnish finish, with defined Hegeman collection stamps, some light dents, scratches, a few small minor spots of surface flaking, a small chip visible in the wood behind the upper tang, a reattached small cracked wood section visible to the left of the hammer area, a filled in circular section visible on the right of the wrist, and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent. As an absolutely beautiful example of a factory made Colt Model 1839 Paterson carbine, this "Albert Foster Model" example would make a fine addition in any Colt collection!