Colt Holster Model Paterson Revolver (No. 5)

Colt Holster Model Paterson Revolver (No. 5)

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Description
The five-shot.36-caliber Paterson revolver became famous for its use on the western frontier. It is sometimes called the "Texas" Paterson because of its association with the Texas Rangers. This piece was filed as an example in the U. S. Patent Office about 1840. It is stamped with the Serial Number 414 on the frame and Serial Number 222 on the cylinder.
This revolver was kept at the Patent Office until its transfer to the Smithsonian in 1908.
Object Name
revolver
revolver, percussion
Object Type
Patent Model
Other Terms
revolver; Firearms; Percussion Fire; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made
ca 1839
maker
Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Place Made
United States: New Jersey, Paterson
Physical Description
iron (overall material)
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1 3/4 in x 13 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in; 4.445 cm x 34.29 cm x 13.97 cm
overall: 5 in x 13 3/4 in x 1 1/2 in; 12.7 cm x 34.925 cm x 3.81 cm
ID Number
AF.251084
patent number
1304
accession number
48865
catalog number
251084
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
Military
American Enterprise
National Treasures exhibit
Exhibition
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Hi , I have in my collection a very early produced Colt Paterson revolver No.5, S/N below 100. When the grips are removed the frame is made up laminated Iron & Steel strips more than three across the bottom of the frame, these show up as bright and dark. This revolver that Colt produced, looks like a form of damascus predates his use of Sheffield steel that Colt used when he started up again with his Walker revolvers. If a member has an early Colt revolver that can answer some of this research. Any comments are welcome on the steels/iron frames that was used at the time he made his Paterson revolvers before he went bankrupt.

alan julier

Thu, 2020-10-01 09:15

There were two experimental revolvers made by Colt and Pliny Lawton, the plant supervisor The first was a No. 2, a so called Belt model. but wasn't a Belt model. This model didn't have a frame plate. See Plate 53, page 80, of Paterson Colt Pistol Variations. R.L. Wilson. The next was an extremely close design.. So close that it is believed it was used as a model from which all four of the production models were made from. All of the internal parts are believed to be the primary designs used in the four production models., i.e., the Pocket or Baby model, the two Belt models and the No. 5 Holster or Texas model. A research document on this experimental will be available in December of this year.

Michael Desparte

Wed, 2017-07-05 16:51

"Were the frames of the experimental or prototype pistols made by John Pearson, Sam Colt's gunsmith, made of a single piece of metal or were they made up of three plates? A left and right plate and a center plate that extended down to the handgrip? Why is ask this question, is I have what might be an experimental, the frame is made up of 3 pieces as described above. It is my belief that the first or original frame was composed of pieces, then when they had the cut out correct for the interior mechanics, they were able to make the frame into a single piece. Am I right on my supposition?Thank you in advance for the information - Michael Desparte"

Michael Desparte

Mon, 2015-06-01 10:50

"You may be correct. It is not inconceivable that the frame of some of the experimental Colt models, produced by either Pearson or Chase, were made with several pieces, but all of Colt’s early drawings and plans call for a one-piece frame. David MillerArmed Forces History"

David Miller

Fri, 2015-06-05 12:14

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