Originally manufactured as a percussion "Pocket Model of Navy Caliber" revolver, this example was one of approximately 2,000 factory converted from existing percussion parts to the 4 1/2 inch octagon barrel .38 rimfire configuration c. 1873-1875. These revolvers had no ejector attached to the barrel and had their loading lever cutouts filled. Adding to the rarity is the attractive factory engraving consisting of mostly floral scrollwork along with starburst motifs on the back strap, and wolf head on the rimfire hammer. The small "IE" used by Colt to designate ivory grips and engraving is stamped above or below the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap serial numbers. These serial numbers are matching. The cylinder is also numbered to the gun. The top barrel flat is marked "ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA", "COLTS/PATENT" hand engraved on the left of the frame, "36 CAL" on the left of the trigger guard, and "COLTS PATENT/No. 9684" on the cylinder along with the stagecoach holdup scene. It is fitted with a smooth antique ivory grip. This revolver is pictured and described on p. 140 of "Colt Pistols: 1836-1976" by R.L. Wilson Provenance: The R.E. Hable Collection; The Fred Sweeney Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection