Colt 1862 Round S Lug Cartridge 38 Colt CF 3 1/2″ Barrel Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
Make: Colt
Model: 1862 Cartridge revolver (Built by Colt from 1849 frame)
Serial Number: 313515
Year of Manufacture: 1869, Antique
Caliber: .38 Colt Centerfire Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Cartridge Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel has the two line Colt Hartford address. The cylinder is marked with the Colt Stagecoach scene. The left side of the frame is marked with Colt’s two line patent mark. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, grip, barrel, and cylinder. All numbers match.
Barrel Length: 3 1/2″ round.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the front of the barrel.The rear sight is “V” groove in the top strap. It is exposed when the shooter cocks the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece ivory. They do not appear to be original and the fit is slightly loose. There is handling wear and a couple light cracks.
Type of Finish: Nickel with fire blued screws.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling defined. There are a few light pits but overall the bore rates a 8/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is flaking in some spots. There are light nicks and scratches overall. There are a few light corrosion stains. There is marring at the wedge. Overall this revolver rates in Very Good for an antique.
Mechanics: This action functions correctly. The hammer locks in the half cock and full cock positions. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms a full cleaning may be required to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1862 Cartridge Revolver represents Colt’s transitional ingenuity in the immediate post Civil War era, bridging the percussion age and the rise of metallic cartridges. Built on the familiar 1849 Pocket frame yet chambered for the self contained .38 Colt centerfire cartridge, these revolvers reflect the company’s adaptation to a rapidly modernizing market. Manufactured in 1869 and retaining its classic 3 1/2 inch round barrel configuration, this example carries the two line Hartford address on the barrel and the iconic Stagecoach scene rolled on the cylinder. All matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and grip confirm its cohesive originality, a critical attribute in assessing antique Colts of this period.
The nickel finish remains approximately 80 percent intact, showing scattered flaking, light handling marks, minor corrosion staining, and honest wear consistent with age. The fire blued screws provide subtle visual contrast against the remaining nickel. The wedge shows marring from period disassembly, a common sight on working Colts. The two piece ivory grips are not believed to be original to the revolver and exhibit slight looseness with light cracks and handling wear, yet they present attractively and complement the revolver’s refined profile. The bore is semi bright with defined rifling and only light pitting, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, which is commendable for a revolver approaching 160 years of age.
The .38 Colt centerfire cartridge, introduced during the 1860s, was an early heeled bullet metallic cartridge developed to provide a compact defensive round suitable for pocket sized revolvers. In this short barrel configuration, the revolver balances easily in the hand, its brass bead front sight and V groove rear creating the classic Colt sight picture exposed upon cocking the hammer. The action locks positively at half cock and full cock. This revolver stands as a tangible artifact of the Reconstruction era, when Colt was redefining the American sidearm for a cartridge driven future while still drawing heavily on percussion era design language. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF