Manufactured c. 1873-1875. This revolver has a barrel with slightly crowned muzzle and roll-stamped: "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" reading toward the breech. The loading lever cut-out is plugged. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach hold-up scene and "COLTS PATENT". The frame is not fitted with a loading gate and has a Richards conversion ring and large, late hammer screw. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines. The hammer has a rimfire firing pin on the right side and bordered knurling on the spur. The left shoulder of the trigger guard is stamped: "36 CAL". The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "9972" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. "I E" is stamped above or below the serial numbers which indicates this revolver was designated for engraving. The revolver has a nickel-plated barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap with niter blue frame screws, trigger and firing pin, color casehardened hammer. The revolver is engraved with what Colt expert R.L. Wilson described as "Vine Style Scroll" engraving. Similar engraving on a Model 1862 Pocket Navy Conversion is illustrated on page 271 of "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" by R.L. Wilson. Provenance: Gillespie collection.

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% of the original nickel-plated finish. The nickel-plating has some small areas of flaking along the edges of the forward portion of the barrel and edges of the cylinder. There is finish wear and scattered flaking on the left side of the frame below the recoil shield and on the left side and bottom of the trigger guard. The hammer retains most of the muted case colors. The firing pin has nearly all of the fire blue finish. Traces of fire blue are present on the frame screws and trigger. The Colt address, patent markings and cylinder scene are sharp. The vine style scroll engraving is deep and crisp. The grip is in good overall condition with a visible repair at rear lower heel and an attractive aged patina and partially repaired chips on the heel. This is a very good example of a scarce, factory engraved, Pocket Navy Conversion revolver with 4 1/2 inch barrel.