Lot 1230: Colt 1862 Police Revolver 36 percussion

Colt Model 1862 Police revolver manufactured in 1861. The revolver has a cast bronze "Tiffany Type" grip that features the Mexican Eagle motif. Experts believe that Tiffany grips were manufactured for Schuyler, Hartley and Graham around 1864 by the Ames Sword Company. All of the genuine Tiffany grips are rare and highly desirable. The revolver is engraved with good quality American style scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving covers, the barrel, lever, frame, cylinder chambers and trigger guard. The revolver has a silver and gold-plated finish with silver plated Tiffany grip. The top of the barrel is roll stamped: "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT is roll stamped on the left side of the frame in a panel formed by scrollwork. "PAT. SEPT.10th 1850" is stamped in one cylinder flute. The serial number "2426" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame and trigger guard surrounded by engraved banners.

Good as partially refinished (cylinder, hammer, loading lever, and trigger guard). The Tiffany grip is original with crisp edges and sharp details. The engraving on the barrel, lever, frame, cylinder and trigger guard is deep and sharp. The revolver barrel and frame has faded to a dark, grey patina. Considerable amounts of the replated silver-plated finish remain on the trigger guard. Traces of replated gold plating are present in protected areas on the loading lever. The cylinder and hammer have been re-plated. There is light flash pitting in the hammer well and on the sides of the hammer. The percussion nipples are replacements. The frame screws show considerable screw-driver wear. The action requires repair; the cylinder will not rotate when the hammer is cocked. This is a representative example of a New York engraved Colt Model 1862 Police revolver with genuine Tiffany Type grip.