Colt 1862 Police

[Dudemeister]

While visiting my relatives during the holidays, I found and bought an unfired Colt 1862 Police revolver at a local gun shop. The gun is brand new, and comes with the original box, manual and Colt Black Powder mini catalog.

The only thing I can find wrong with the gun is that the glossy surface on the right side grip is peeling off near the frame. In fact it looks like some kind of wax that you can simply rub off, but I'm not exactly sure what it is (wax, lacquer, etc). Does anyone know what that surface is, I plan on stripping it and refinishing the grips myself.

The box is in good condition, but being black does show some wear around the edges. The manual, catalog and trigger warning tag are like new.

I also have a question for those that know Colts inside and out. The serial number of this gun is 52000, and the manual and catalog have a 1978 copyright notice. What is the year of manufacture of this gun.

I know that the parts for these guns were actually made Uberti, but that Colt did all the finishing and final assembly.

Last but not least, should I keep this unfired, or should I shoot it? Does it have a collectable appeal and value, if so how much is it worth?

BTW, I already have a 1862 replica (Palmetto) I bought from a user here, which I just finished re-blueing, that I do plan to shoot.

 

[dlon21]

The police is a neat little piece. Why would you not want to use a replica, no great value in them. It's the originals that should be preserved for the future, and even old guns are meant to be used.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The only thing I can find wrong with the gun is that the glossy surface on the right side grip is peeling off near the frame. In fact it looks like some kind of wax that you can simply rub off, but I'm not exactly sure what it is (wax, lacquer, etc). Does anyone know what that surface is, I plan on stripping it and refinishing the grips myself.

The 3rd gens have a clear coat over the grip frames, either German silver or brass. It can be removed with lacquer thinner.

I know that the parts for these guns were actually made Uberti, but that Colt did all the finishing and final assembly.

Most of the small parts were made here or Canada. Frame, barrel and grip frame are Uberti raw parts.

Last but not least, should I keep this unfired, or should I shoot it? Does it have a collectable appeal and value, if so how much is it worth?

3rd gens are not as collectible as the 2nd gens. If you keep all paper work and keep the revolver in good condition you shouldn't loose more than 25% or so if you shoot it, depending on what you paid of course.

 

[PRM]

Sounds like you have a 2nd Generation gun (1978 literature and black box with it). If it is a 2nd Generation, the backstrap will be plain - 3rd Generation Signature Series had Sam Colt in script letters on the backstrap. They are all great guns. I have 4 of the 2nd Generation Colts, one of which is a Pocket Police. Had mine for over 25 years now ~ a couple of years back I had some elephant ivory grips made for it. Its a great little shooter.

As far as shooting yours. They are still easy to find on the internet and usually bring between $500 - $650 tops. I would shoot and enjoy it.

Uberti parts from VTI will work in your gun.

 

[Fingers McGee]

It's definitely a 2nd Gen. Serial numbers of Signature Series Pocket models started above 58850 (which is where the 2nd Gen Pocket Navies ended).

I also have a question for those that know Colts inside and out. The serial number of this gun is 52000, and the manual and catalog have a 1978 copyright notice. What is the year of manufacture of this gun? The 2nd Gen Pocket Police models were made in 1981 and 1982. There were 3,756 of them made with serial numbers ranging between 49000 and 57300 (pocket Navies have serial numbers within the same range).

Last but not least, should I keep this unfired, or should I shoot it? Does it have a collectable appeal and value, if so how much is it worth? The 2nd Generation revolvers have collector appreal; but usually only for pristine NIB examples or limited production (less than 1000) models. There have been 8 of the Pocket Police revolvers sold on GB in the last few months for between $306 for a used one to $575 for one NIB. This one, with varnish loss on the grip would be worth in the neighborhood of $450 to $525.

By all means, shoot it and enjoy it. I have a pair of '51 Navis and '61 Navies that I shoot.

FM

 

[Trad Archer]

I shoot all of my Colts. Just clean god when done, still look new.