Colt Holster Model Peterson No. 5 revolver manufactured c. 1839-1840. Also known as the "Texas Paterson", this standard model No. 5 revolver has the distinctive .36 caliber octagon barrel, round back five-shot cylinder, large frame and flared walnut grip. This early production No. 5 revolver is not fitted with a loading lever and the recoil shield lacks the capping cut-out found on later production No. 5 revolvers equipped with loading levers. The barrel has been shortened to six-inches and has a period replacement dovetail mounted front sight. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "- Patent Arms No.. Co. Paterson, N.J. Colt's Pt.-" in one line reading from the breech to the muzzle with the "snake and star" marking at either end of the address. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach hold-up scene. The serial number "844" is visible on the cylinder turning ring, rear face of cylinder and bottom of the back strap. The rear face of the barrel and the wedge are stamped with the last digit of the serial number ("4"). The pistol is complete with a letter of evaluation from Herb Glass of Bullville, New York. The Glass letter states that he disassembled this revolver and examined all the parts. The letter further states that the barrel was shortened to six inches during the period of use, the front sight added and that the flared walnut grip, hammer screw and several other screws are replacements. The Glass letter also notes that this revolver was formerly part of the Albert Foster collection and was listed in the 1948 James Serven catalogue (a copy of the catalogue listing is included with the revolver). The Glass evaluation concludes: "…I find this gun to be completely authentic with the exception of the well made replacement grips". The large frame, long barrel and relatively large caliber made the No. 5 revolver the most functional and popular Colt Paterson revolver series. The No. 5 revolvers were the only Paterson model purchased by the Ordnance Department. The Ordnance Department purchased 150 No. 5 revolvers in 1840 for issue to the U.S. Navy; 100 of these revolvers were shipped to the Pacific Squadron. The Republic of Texas purchased 180 No. 5 revolvers with nine inch barrels. Some of these revolvers were issued to the Texas Rangers commanded by Jack Hays in his fight with the Comanche Indians which was subsequently depicted on the cylinders of the Colt Walker and Dragoon revolvers. The Texas Model Paterson is the most desirable of all the rare and highly collectable Colt Paterson revolvers.

Good. With the exception of the expertly crafted replacement walnut grip and replaced hammer and frame screws the revolver is authentic. The shortened barrel and period replacement front sight are typical of the modifications found on the few surviving Texas Paterson revolvers. These guns frequently saw hard frontier use and exhibit period modifications and replacement parts necessary to keep them functional. These modifications are a testimony to the value placed on a large caliber, five-shot revolver during the actual period of use. The barrel has a dark silver-gray patina with minor dents and handling marks and some scattered light pitting. The markings on the top barrel flat are clear. The eleven groove rifling is strong. The cylinder has a smooth gray-brown patina with traces of the original blue finish. The roll-engraved stage coach hold-up scene is crisp. There is light flash pitting on the percussion nipples but minimal pitting on the rear of the cylinder. The recoil shield has the same smooth gray patina as the cylinder with some flash pitting in the hammer well. The hammer has a silver-gray patina with traces of flash pitting on the sides and face. The frame and back strap have a smooth dark patina. The grip is nicely figured walnut with distinctive flared base. This is solid and well documented example of a rare and highly desirable Colt No. 5 Texas Paterson Holster Model revolver. This highly desirable revolver would be a key piece in the finest collection of Colt firearms.