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Colt Model 1862 Police

History

The Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver is designed for security personnel and follows the design lines of other Colt products that have appeared in the history of this period. Like other Colt revolver products, it doesn't have a bridge on the cartridge, it was made for .36 cap and ball ammo and saw the American Civil War drive production numbers.

The Colt Patent Firearm Company of Hartford, Connecticut manufactured approximately 28,000 firearms of this type from 1861 to 1873.

A key difference in this line of revolvers is that their semi-fluted cylinders have only five .36 caps and ball chambers. The barrel is round (as opposed to octagonal), and the loading rod is fastened under the barrel in a "creep style". Barrel lengths are offered in 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 inches to suit customer tastes. The case-hardened frame is typical of Colt, with a lower curved trigger assembly protected by a brass trigger ring and molded body sides in front of the cylinder.

The elegant hammer is within reach of the main hand and protrudes from the rear of the revolver body as usual. The one-piece walnut pistol grip bends down and ends with a brass strap. A small front iron sight can accurately aim at short to medium distances.

As metal-cased cartridges became more popular (and readily available), approximately 70% of Colt Model 1862 police revolvers were modified to fire new ammunition. As a result, revolvers in their original form have become extremely rare in today's collectible market.

Because they share serial numbers with the Pocket Navy 1862 revolvers produced by Colt, it is not uncommon to find Police 1862 revolvers themselves with high serial numbers (up to 47,700) despite the low overall production total.

Like many of Colt's mid-19th century revolvers, the police version of the Model 1862 served in the American Civil War, resulting in several hastily produced examples to keep up with demand. Some are also available to Pall Mall agents in London and are marked with an "L" near the serial number.