Colt Belt Model Paterson Revolver No. 3 manufactured c. 1837-1840. The revolver has a flared grip, 3 1/2-inch octagon barrel and five-shot, round back cylinder roll-engraved with Centaurs and the "COLT"/four-horse trademark. The grip is highly figured walnut with a piano finish. The pattern of the wood lends itself to be referred to as "applewood" by Colt expert and author R.L. Wilson. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "- Patent Arms M'g Co Paterson N-J Colt's Pt- " with arrows at either end of the marking. The serial number "552" is stamped on the inside face of the barrel lug, rear face of the cylinder, turning ring, inside of the hammer and wedge. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Good. The revolver has traces of the original blue finish in protected ares. The balance of the revolver has a mottled gray patina. The barrel lug and frame have scattered flash pitting with the heaviest flash pitting concentrated on the recoil shields. The cylinder has moderate flash pitting; the roll-stamped Centaur scene and Colt/horse heads are visible. The revarnished grip is good and retains most of the high polish piano finish. The grip has shrunk slightly from the edges of the frame and there is a neat repair on the top left side of the grip. This is a solid example of one of the key pieces in an advanced Colt collection: a Colt Paterson Revolver.