May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Manufactured circa 1838-1841 with only approximately 950 made. Of these, the US War Department purchased 360, with 300 going to the Navy and 60 going to the Dragoons, where they would see limited use during the Second Seminole War. The Republic of Texas also bought 300, 180 of which went to the Texas Navy and 120 to the Rangers and Army. Rhode Island purchased an additional 46 guns. Of the Paterson era, these carbines would prove to be one of the most practical and popular models made. This is one of the finest known of the 360 purchased by the US War Department. Barrel is of the classic form for this model, transitioning from round at the muzzle to octagonal about halfway down with a .525 caliber smooth bore. Fitted with simple sights. Correct barrel address near rammer on right barrel flat with appropriate snakes terminating into stars at each end. The 6-shot cylinder is roll die engraved with 3 vignette cylinder scenes by W.L. Ormsby featuring the barrel scene, lion hunting motif, and early naval engagement scenes. "Patterson" on cylinder is spelled with 2 ts, which is correct for this model. Left side of walnut military stock is marked with the proper "WAT" in an oval US inspection cartouche for William Anderson Thornton. Matching serial numbers observed on barrel, wedge, cylinder, cylinder turn ring, back of breech extension, underneath top tang of frame, bottom tang of stock channel, and buttplate. Rammer assembly is serial numbered "273". CONDITION: Very good, the blued finish has turned a pleasant brown patina with scattered areas of original bluing visible under bright light. Remnants of the cylinder scenes are visible, with the patent information and Ormsby signature still easily legible. Stock has been lightly cleaned with a preservative layer of finish added and handling marks throughout. Stock also has a longitudinal crack running underneath the top tang only visible when it is removed; the stock remains stable. Mechanically fine. Bore is mostly bright and smooth with scattered areas of freckling. An opportunity to own not only a very fine example of an extremely scarce martial revolving rifle with a very low survival rate, but also one that is important to the histories of Colt, the United States, and the Republic of Texas. A wonderful addition to the advanced Colt or martial arms collection.
CORRECTION: This example retains original factory brown finish on the barrel.
Caliber/Bore
.525 Smoothbore