Antique Colt Model 1862 Police .36 Cal Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver 1863
SOLD FOR: $1,227.00
LSB#: LSB260301JH013
Make: Colt
Model: 1862 Police
Serial Number: 15055
Year of Manufacture: 1863 / Antique (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .36 Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The wedge pin is marked with the last 4 of the serial number. The bottom of the barrel near the loading lever is stamped with a “D”. The barrel lug, frame, frame butt, and trigger guard are marked with the serial number. The left side of the frame is marked with “COLTS PATENT”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with “36 CAL”. In one the cylinder flutes, is marked with “PAT SEPT 10th 1853”. There is a “7” stamped on the interior left side of the front strap at the bottom.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2′ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a ‘V’ notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished grip is a one piece smooth walnut. There are compression dents and light scratches. There is some metal staining. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull, the rifling is still defined. There is some fouling. There is erosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 8% of its current metal finish. The finish has almost completely been worn off. Most of the remaining finish has turned to a patina, with an area under the load lever that is blue. There are several dings and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is a turn line on the fluted rebated cylinder. There is corrosion pitting throughout. The screw heads are strong with minor tooling. Overall, this revolver is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action does function. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. With this revolver being an antique, it is recommended to consult a qualified gunsmith before attempting to fire.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This antique Colt Model 1862 Police is a Civil War-era percussion revolver manufactured in 1863, during the height of Colt’s wartime production. The Model 1862 Police combined elements of Colt’s smaller pocket revolvers with the more practical .36 caliber chambering, resulting in a streamlined, lighter sidearm that was popular with officers, civilians, and private purchasers during the 1860s. Its round barrel, rebated and fluted cylinder, brass bead front sight, and graceful lines give the revolver a distinctly elegant appearance compared to the larger martial Colts of the same era. This example retains matching serial numbers on the major components and visible period markings including the Colt New York barrel address and “COLTS PATENT” frame stamp.
This revolver rates in about Fair overall condition, retaining only traces of its original finish, much of which has aged to a dark patina with a small remaining blue area beneath the loading lever. The metal surfaces show scattered dings, scratches, corrosion pitting, and a visible cylinder turn line, while the screw heads remain comparatively strong with only minor tooling. The refinished walnut grip rates Fine, showing compression dents, light scratches, and some metal staining but no cracks or chips. The bore is dull with defined rifling, fouling, and notable erosion and pitting, rating 4/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action still functions, though as with any Civil War-era percussion revolver, inspection by a qualified gunsmith is strongly recommended before any firing attempt. This Colt 1862 Police remains an attractive antique percussion revolver with authentic wartime-era character and would display well in any Colt or Civil War firearms collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY