This Colt model has been a source of debate and confusion for collectors for years and has been known as the Model 1853 (now known to be erroneous), "Model 1862 Pocket Navy", and is now generally referred to as the "Pocket Model of Navy Caliber." For many years this model was assumed to be in the same serial number range as the Colt Model 1862 Police revolvers, but research from the last few years has shown that each was numbered separately. Thus, the serial number history of this model is currently being revised, but it is estimated that this model was produced between 1863 and 1872. These revolvers were popular with civilians in the tumultuous years at the end of and following the Civil War. The United States had little in the way of proper law enforcement at the time, so a handy five shot Colt revolver such as the 1862 Police or Pocket Navy undoubtedly provided a sense of security to many civilians in the crowded cities and sparsely populated countryside alike. They were also used by the very men they feared. Colt played into those fears by adding the hold-up scene to the cylinder of this and other civilian oriented models. This example is in exceptional condition especially given the hard use nearly all Colt percussion revolvers saw. It has a small brass cone front sight and a notch in the hammer for a rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA". The left side of frame has the standard "COLTS/PATENT" mark, and the left side rear trigger guard shoulder has "36 CAL". The rebated cylinder has the stagecoach hold-up scene. The matching serial number is marked on the various components, and it is fitted with a one piece varnished walnut grip.

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% of the original blue finish while the cylinder retains traces of blue with primarily a gray patina. The frame has 25% of the original case colors with a gray patina on the balance, and the grip straps have primarily an aged patina on the exposed brass with traces of aged silver plating. The grip is also very fine with nice glossy varnish, several small dings, and some light edge wear. The action remains excellent, and the markings, including the cylinder scene, are crisp.