Colt Holster Model Paterson No. 5 revolver manufactured c. 1838-1840. Known to collectors as the "Texas Paterson", this standard model No. 5 revolver has a 7 1/2-inch, .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 a nickel-silver front sight. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "- Patent Arms M'G. 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 "205" is stamped: (1) on the bottom of the wedge, (2) rear face of the barrel lug, (3) the cylinder turning ring, and (4) rear face of cylinder between the chambers. All the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a russet leather, half-flap holster with stamped tooling and brass closure finial. The back of the holster has a single belt loop secured by a steel rivet and steel staple. The holster appears to be period, has no provision for a loading lever or ejector housing and fits the revolver well. The large caliber, long barrel, and large frame 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. This battle 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.

Very good. The revolver appears to be all original and functions well. The metal surfaces have an attractive, silver-gray patina. There is some pitting on the lower right side of the recoil shield and along the right side of the frame. The sides of the cylinder show scattered flash pitting. The percussion nipples show heavy flash pitting and one nipple is partially broken. The face and top of the hammer show moderate flash pitting. The balance of the metal surfaces are smooth. The frame screws are battered but intact. The walnut grips have been revarnished and remain in very good overall condition with scattered handling marks. The Patent Arms legend on the top of the barrel is light but fully legible. 30% of the Stagecoach Robbery scene remains visible on the cylinder. All of the serial numbers are fully legible. The half-flap holster is in very good overall condition. All of the stitching along the edge of the holster remains intact; wear is limited to scattered scuff marks and flex marks along the top of the half flap. The half-flap has two period finial holes to accommodate revolvers of different sizes. The Paterson Holster Model No. 5 was the most practical of the Colt Paterson revolvers. Use of Paterson revolvers by the Texas Rangers before the Mexican War established the Colt revolver as a practical weapon and led to the development of the Colt Walker Model revolver and the subsequent dominance of Colt percussion revolvers after the Mexican War. A Colt Texas Paterson revolver is a key piece in any comprehensive collection of Colt firearms.