Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #74
  • Lot #1249
Lot #1248
Lot #1250

Lot 1249: Exceptional and Rare Colt Paterson Model 1839 Shotgun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 8, 2018

Lot 1249: Exceptional and Rare Colt Paterson Model 1839 Shotgun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 8, 2018

Estimated Price: $75,000 - $125,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Exceptional and Rare Colt Paterson Model 1839 Shotgun

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Paterson
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 16 gauge
Barrel: 32 Inch
Finish: blue/brown
Grip:
Stock: varnished walnut
Item Views: 10661
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 104
Class: Antique
Description:

This is an exceptional original example of a Colt Model 1839 Revolving Shotgun that was manufactured at Samuel Colt's Paterson, New Jersey, factory c. 1839-1841. The total production of the Model 1839 Shotgun is estimated to be approximately 225 guns. The shotgun has a round,16 gauge barrel, massive, six-shot, round shoulder cylinder, flared recoil shield, steel scroll trigger guard and crescent steel buttplate. The barrel has a steel pin front sight. The rear sight has been removed and the dove-tail filled with a fitted lead blank. The barrel is Damascus, the cylinder, recoil shield and tang are blued and the hammer, frame, trigger guard and buttplate are casehardened. The stock is straight grain American walnut with a varnish finish. The cylinder has an elaborate roll-engraved scene that features three panels depicting: (1) a Native American hunter, (2) an American Eagle with shield and (3) a deer hunting scene. The right side of the barrel lug is roll-stamped: "-Patent Arms M'g. Co. Paterson, N.J. - Colt's Pt.-" with the 'snake and star' motif at either end. The serial number is visible on: (1) the wedge, (2) rear face of the barrel lug, (3) cylinder turning ring, (4) face of the recoil shield, and (5) toe of the buttplate. The Colt Model 1839 Shotgun is one of the rarest Colt longarms. Examples are rarely offered for sale.

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine. This rare revolving Colt Model 1839 Paterson shotgun is all original. The cylinder has 85% plus of the original high polish blue finish, with limited high point wear. The elaborate cylinder scene is lightly engraved but nearly all intact. The percussion nipples are free from flash pitting. The receiver/recoil shield and tang have 70% of the high polish blue finish. The case colors on the hammer, trigger guard, lower tang and buttplate have aged to a smooth, silver-gray with scattered age spotting. The Damascus pattern on the barrel has silvered with fading finish on the muzzle end and stronger finish toward the breech. The barrel lug has a smooth silver-gray patina with scattered age spotting and sharp Colt legend. The stock is in fine good overall condition with nearly all of the varnish finish intact; wear is limited to a few scattered and insignificant handling marks. The original rear sight has been removed; the blank in the dovetail appears to be a period alteration. The action is crisp and fully functional. This is an exceptional example of one of the rarest Colt longarms. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #629: Reproduction Colt Paterson Charger

    Lot #70: Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun

    Lot #382: Two Ithaca Flues Model Double Barrel Shotguns

    Lot #383: Remington Model 1894 Hammerless Shotgun

    Lot #388: Matched Pair of Remington Model 1100 Skeet Shotguns

    Lot #895: Two Remington Model 870 Wingmaster Slide Action Shotguns