"COLT PATERSON NO. 3 BELT MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER. SN 152. Cal. 34. Very rare revolver with 5-1/2" oct bbl with eleven grooves, small German silver front sight with small letter address and flared lug with dbl scalloped front edge. It has 5-shot square shoulder cylinder with centaur scene and flared grip frame with 1-pc walnut grip. This revolver is consecutive numbered to No. 3 Belt Model, SN153 which appears on p. 107 of The Paterson Colt Book, Wilson, which is credited to the Henry Stewart Collection at the VMI Museum. Caliber of this model of revolver is listed as 31. However, repeated measurements of both bbl & cylinder show this to be larger than 31 and is at least 34 caliber, possibly 36. The bore in opposing grooves measures .368" and across the lands is .321". The chambers in the cylinder measure .329" in one and .320 in another, .326 in the third, .327 in the fourth and .327 in the fifth. Serial number was observed on face of bbl lug, rear face of cylinder, bottom of wedge, side of trigger and on bottom left edge of grip. No further disassembly was attempted to verify other matching numbered parts. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 850 of the No. 2 & No. 3 Paterson revolvers combined were made in period 1837-1840 making this indeed, a very rare revolver. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 75-80% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium dark patina. Address is crisp & clear and the front sight intact. Cylinder retains 50-60% thin orig blue with about 85% centaur scene. Cylinder plate retains strong bright blue on edges with recoil shields retaining about 75% glossy orig blue and the trigger about 80% orig blue, glossy & bright on inside, dull on outside. Frame retains strong case colors on sides with front & back straps & butt strap faded to gray. Several of the frame screws are battered. Grip is sound showing high side wear with light nicks & scratches and retains 60-70% strong orig varnish. Hammer catches occasionally in hammer slot, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with scattered spots of fine pitting. 4-32078 JR203 (150,000-200,000)"
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