Product Description
CIVIL WAR Antique COLT M1862 POCKET NAVY .36 Revolver SHARP CYLINDER SCENE
1 of 19,000 Produced by COLT
Here we present an antique Colt 1862 Navy Pocket Revolver, made circa 1862 in Hartford, Connecticut. The Pocket Navy, or Pocket Model of Navy Caliber, like the Model 1862 Police, was based upon improved steels and the rebated cylinder design first used on Colt’s Model 1860 Army revolvers. It offered more fire power while still remaining the same size as the popular Model 1849 Pocket. The success of the original Colt Model 1851 Navy provided the foundation for the Model 1862 Pocket Navy. Despite having the formal name of “Navy” the Model 1862 received the generic name from the standard that Colt had set for its .36 caliber revolvers. On the original 1851 Navy, the depiction on the cylinder scene was an engraved naval battle, whereas this model sports the stagecoach scene like that of the 1849 pocket.
As mentioned, one of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of the 1862 Pocket Navy is its cylinder scene. Cylinder scenes during this period were common, especially for Colt, not only for their visual appeal, but because it made a revolver more difficult to forge. The scene on the cylinder of the 1862 Pocket Navy is that of a stagecoach robbery. The focal point is the stagecoach drawn by four horses. A woman in a dress is seen framed in the doorway of the side of the coach. The driver is standing alongside wielding his pistol against multiple assailants as the horses rear and struggle against their harnesses. Several of the bandits lay dying on the ground, one tries to control the horses, two are running away and one is in the process of falling dead after being shot. Not a bad way to show interested buyers what a pistol like this would be good for. It did a fine job as a self-defense handgun for the average citizen in 19th Century America.
Though not a primary military arm during the American Civil War, these handguns were commonly privately purchased by soldiers for use on the battlefield. Whether legend or fact, it is interesting to note something commonly read about pocket revolvers of the day, that while they could be used for self-defense against the enemy, many soldiers kept them on their person to defend themselves against an unwanted amputation in the primitive field hospitals that were notorious, even in their day.
This is a solid gun by Colt standards, and its low availability makes it a rare item today with only 19,000 total produced. This 1862 Pocket Navy shared serial numbering with the Colt Model 1862 Police revolver, leading the Navy to contain high serial numbers despite their actual production figures. The Pocket Navy was used by both sides during the American Civil War.
The overall condition is good. Partially refinished with some original blue and case colors visible. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with strong rifling. Grip shows use and remains solid. Numbers have been restamped on the barrel, frame and trigger guard. Numbers match. Still a good stagecoach robbery cylinder scene.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 4-1/2 inches.
Caliber: .36 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$2200
#240116