Manufactured from the 1850s to 1864. J.M. Cooper produced .31 and .36 caliber revolvers generally following the design of Colt's Model 1849 Pocket and Model 1851 Navy revolvers but with a double action mechanism first in Pittsburg and then in Philadelphia. Samuel Colt himself was notably resistant to adopting the double action system for his weapons. This two-tone deluxe revolver is profusely engraving with New York style motifs. A floral scroll motif on a stippled background is featured on the barrel lug, rear barrel section, frame sides and flats of the loading lever. Additional scroll embellishments appear on the grip frame, and an engraved fan motif is featured behind the hammer. The scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug incorporates an eagle head. The hammer, cylinder, trigger and loading lever are plated in gold, and the remaining surfaces are plated in nickel. Fitted with a purple dyed checkered grip. The partitioned case contains an eagle powder flask, brass bullet mold and J. Goldmark's percussion cap tin. The top of the lid has a presentation inscribed silver plaque reading, "Presented to/William Warnock/by the/Phiada. Police Benefit. Socy. of Penna./for returning $1014.50 for tickets sold/for their benefit/Dec. 10th 1865." The exact circumstances behind the presentation remain unknown at the time of this writing. City records indicate a William Warnock living at "1006 Anita" and he is listed as "Police" in the years 1865 and 1880. Additional information is obtained from "The Philadelphia Police, Past and Present" by Howard O. Sprogle which states Warnock was born in Ireland in 1831, "came to America at an early age" and started his police career as a patrolman in 1858. At the time of the presentation Warnock was attached to "the Fourth District for special duty." Eventually Warnock was appointed lieutenant of the First District.

Very fine. 85% plus original nickel plating remains with flaking on the balance. The hammer, cylinder, trigger and loading lever retain 70% original gold plating with smooth brown patina on the balance. There is an area of deep pitting on the cylinder. The grip is fine with a few small chips, crisp checkering and original purple dye remaining in the checkering and on the butt. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some fading and high spot wear on the lining and numerous handling/storage marks on the exterior. A wonderful example of a highly embellished Cooper Pocket Model Revolver that is one of the finest we have ever offered!