The Model 1862 is arguably one of the most attractive and most advanced of all of the Colt percussion revolvers. It was one of the final Colt percussion models released and was an excellent sidearm for an officer in one of the expanded law enforcement agencies in the cities of the East or soldiers headed off to fight in the Civil War. This incredibly early Colt Model 1862 Police is pictured in the "Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson on page 171 and identified as from the collection of Robert Q. Sutherland and is consecutively numbered with the previous lot. It may have actually been a pre-production prototype from 1861, given the lack of the usual patent markings on the frame and cylinder as well as the non-standard numbering style; the matching serial number is stamped on the sides of the loading lever, arbor pin, and cylinder in addition to the usual locations on the wedge, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The barrel has a non-standard blade front sight and is marked with "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" The frame does not have a capping groove. The barrel and cylinder as well as some of the small parts were finished blue, the grip straps were silver plated, and the loading lever, frame, and hammer were casehardened. The grip is piano varnished walnut.

Good with patches of original silver plating in the protected areas, attractive aged patina on the exposed brass, mostly gray patina on the iron, pitting concentrated on the barrel and loading lever, and mild overall wear. The grip is very good and has most of the original varnish remaining, mild lower edge wear, and some light dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is one of the earliest Colt Model 1862 Police revolvers extant and is documented in one of the most widely cited texts on 19th century Colt firearms.