Diminutive Colt Pocket Model Paterson Revolver No.1 or "Baby Paterson" manufactured in 1837-1838. The Paterson Revolver No.1 was the first regular production Colt revolver and the smallest percussion revolver manufactured by Colt. Total production of the Paterson Revolver No. 1 was approximately 500 pistols. The Baby Paterson revolvers were serial numbered from 1 to 500. This is a very late production revolver. The revolver has a .28 caliber 2 1/2-inch octagon barrel with no provision for a loading lever. The barrel has a nickel silver front sight blade. The five-shot round back cylinder is roll engraved with the centaur scene and "COLT" surrounded by four horse heads. The frame lacks the capping cut-out found on some Baby Paterson Revolvers. The hammer has a knurled spur. The two-piece varnished walnut grips have a rounded with beveled butt. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the script legend "- Patent Arms M'g Co. Paterson N.J.- Colt's Pt" in one line reading toward the muzzle. The serial number "487" is visible on the front face of the barrel lug, the underside of the wedge and the breech end of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Fine. The revolver retains 30% of the original blue finish. The barrel has sharp edges, clear markings and strong rifling. Considerable original blue finish is present in protected areas. The cylinder retains virtually all of the roll engraved centaur scene. The percussion nipples are heavily flash-pitted but the rear face and shoulders of the cylinder show only light flash pitting. The right side and bottom of the frame have most of the blue finish intact. The left recoil shield and left side of the frame have light pitting. The hammer has a brown patina and the sides have some light flash pitting. The nicely figured walnut grips are very good with a few scattered and minor handling marks. This is a fine example of a rare and historically significant Colt Baby Paterson revolver.