This Colt percussion revolver model has been the source of confusion for many years in terms of its proper name, serial number range, and manufacturing dates, but, regardless of the specific name or serial number range you ascribe to, this revolver is definitely an extremely desirable Colt given it is the third of its kind! This was the last Colt percussion model to be introduced, but it retains the attractive, classic octagon barrel of the early Colts while also having improvements over the original "Navy caliber" revolvers given its more compact "Pocket Model" frame and the more rebated cylinder. The model has been known to collectors by various names over the years, including Model of 1853, Model 1862 Pocket Navy, Pocket Model 1865 of Navy Caliber, Pocket Model of Navy Caliber, and simply the Pocket Navy. The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture also remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a "Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber" manufactured in 1861 within the same range as Police revolvers. However, the Colt Collector's Association now lists this model as manufactured from 1865 until 1872 within a separate serial number range of 1-22000 suggesting this revolver was manufactured in 1865. This incredibly early example has a small brass cone front sight, the "ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" barrel address, the standard stagecoach cylinder scene, no patent marking on the frame (very unusual), "T" and "36 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, and a "2" ahead of the screw at the toe. The barrel lug, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap are stamped with the matching serial number "3," and "3" is written in pencil inside the back strap mortise of the grip. The loading lever is not marked. The loading lever screw through the barrel lug is a bit short, and some of the frame screws are a bit long. This combined with the absent Colt patent marking on the frame may suggest this revolver was not originally intended to leave the factory. It is finished in the classic Colt percussion revolver fashion with blue on the barrel and cylinder, niter blue on the screws and trigger, silver plating on the grip straps, and case colors on the loading lever, hammer, and frame.

Very good plus with 25% original silver plating remaining primarily around the trigger guard and under the grip, natural aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, patches of strong original case colors in protected areas around the hammer and on the back of the frame, traces of original blue finish, and otherwise mostly a mix of gray and brown patinas along with mild wear such as tool marks at the junction of the frame and barrel lug and dings around the wedge, and some areas of minor pitting. The grip is fine and has much of the original varnish, a deep gouge visible on the right at the lower edge, and minor marks and scratches. Mechanically fine.