This is an example of a Colt Pocket Model (No. 2 Paterson) revolver manufactured by Samuel Colt's Patent Arms Co., in Paterson, New Jersey c. 1840-41. The revolver has a frame with capping cut-out, five-shot round back cylinder, loading lever, folding trigger and straight back walnut grip. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Centaur scene and the Colt four horse trademark. The top of the barrel is roll stamped in script letters "- Patent Arms Mg Co Paterson N-J Colt's Pt. - " reading towards the muzzle. The serial number "231" is stamped on the breech end of the barrel below the cylinder pin hole, on the bottom of the wedge, inside of the frame, and on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has a dull blue finish. Manufactured between 1838 and 1841 with a total production of approximately 800 pieces, the Pocket Model Paterson Revolver is a rare and important piece in the evolution of Colt revolvers.

The revolver is good overall and has an old refinish. The barrel and frame have been re-blued and show traces of pitting beneath the finish. The edges of the barrel are slightly rounded. The professionally remarked barrel markings are very crisp. The re-engraved cylinder retains all of the Centaur scene and the roll engraved markings are very sharp. The face of the cylinder is smooth and shows only traces of flash pitting. The percussion nipples, ratchet and rear face of the cylinder show moderate flash pitting. The blue finish on the frame, recoil shields and grip straps shows handling and edge wear. The capping cut-out, face of the recoil shield and hammer well have light-moderate flash pitting. There is flash pitting on the sides of the hammer. The grip is fair with small chips and rounding at the heels, a repaired crack in the right side and scattered shallow handling marks. This is a good-looking example of a rare and historically significant Colt Pocket Model Paterson revolver.