Hand-made patent model for Schenck Hair Trigger Device for Colt percussion revolvers. This patent model along with patent card are illustrated and described on page 132 of the "BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson. Attached to the trigger guard is the original patent card "No. 57,978" marked: "F. Schenck/Gun-Lock/Patented Sept. 11th/1866". The Model consists of a brass frame, trigger guard and back strap, Colt percussion hammer and one-piece walnut grip. The trigger guard and frame have the Schenck Hair Trigger modifications. R.L. Wilson states in "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" that F. Schenck visited the Colt factory to show his hair trigger device to Colt management and that "only a half-dozen or less" Colt Model 1851 and Model 1860 revolvers are known to be equipped with the Schenck device. Examples with Schenck Hair Trigger devices are illustrated on pages 132 and 166 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS". The model is displayed in a contemporary frame with a copy of the patent drawing.

Very good. The device appears to be complete and is in original "attic" condition. The brass frame, trigger guard and back strap have a dark, untouched, patina. The hammer is original to the model and appears to have been salvaged from an existing Colt revolver and has a mottled silver-gray patina with light flash pitting. The walnut grip has period repairs and is painted brown. The patent tag is sealed in plastic and is attached to the trigger guard by what appears to be the original red ribbon. The tag is in fair condition. This is a one-of-a-kind documented patent model for the extremely rare Schenck Hair Trigger Device that was fitted to "only a half-dozen or less" Colt Model 1851 and Model 1860 Army revolvers.