Produced circa 1838-41, the Model 1839 Carbine was the most practical and successful of the Colt Paterson firearms, though less than approximately 950 were made. Of the earliest and rarest carbine styles, with the distinctive 2 1/2 inch square back cylinder, no attached loading lever and the capping groove cut near the top of the right recoil shield. The carbine has a rare 32-inch smoothbore barrel with the lug as one piece (not brazed to the barrel), another rare early feature. The barrel has a grooved block rear sight dovetailed to the rear and a bead front sight. The barrel is attached to the frame by the early type two-groove wedge with no spring hook. The cylinder was originally roll engraved with an elaborate three panel scene separated by banners and it has the turning ring mounted on the breech end of the cylinder pin. The frame has the characteristic exposed hammer and conventional trigger guard. The stock is varnished walnut and is fitted with an iron buttplate. The right side of the barrel lug is marked: "Patent Arms M'g. Co. Paterson, N.J.-Colt's Pt." in a single line with a snake and star terminal on either end of the marking. The serial number, "81" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, the turning ring, the back of the barrel lug, the cylinder pin and the buttplate on the toe. In addition "36" assembly number is marked on the rear face of the cylinder and "25" on the barrel lug. The 1839 Carbine was so highly regarded by Samuel Colt that he seriously considered reintroduction of the model when he was developing the revived business in Hartford. Included with the carbine is a photocopied excerpt from a Colt book, pages 206-217 about the Model 1839 Carbine.

Partially refinished, with an old rebrowning performed on the barrel and traces of original blue hidden on the frame, which has faded to a mixed brown and gray patina. Some mild pitting and handling marks are visible. The nipples appear original and are in very good condition. The cylinder scene is not visible. There are some minor dings around the wedge, some pin prick type pitting on the upper left rear of the barrel, some light pitting on the muzzle end of the barrel and a few minor dings on the edge of the recoil shield. The stock has been revarnished. The right side of the wrist is slightly warped, otherwise there are only a few scattered minor dings. The barrel marking is readable. Mechanically fine.