Make: Colt Industries, Firearms Division
Model: 1862 Pocket Navy, Second Generation F-Series, 1 of 500 Limited Edition
Serial Number: 50840
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (shipped November 18, 1980, per the included Colt historian letter) / ATF Antique. As a percussion replica of a pre-1899 firearm which is not designed for fixed ammunition, this model falls within the federal definition of an antique firearm.
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver with 5-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2", Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass mortise cone fixed to the barrel near the muzzle. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer which is presented when the hammer is cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut with a glossy finish. There are scattered light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Colt Blue barrel and cylinder, case color frame, loading lever and hammer, with silver-plated brass trigger guard and backstrap.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The case coloring remains quite strong and attractive with some light handling wear. The silver-plated grip frame shows age-related toning and areas of thinning. There is light intermittent oxidation. The screw heads remain sharp and serviceable. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in its black wood presentation case with gold-colored velvet fitted interior. Included are the Colt powder flask, two-cavity bullet mold, L-shaped nipple wrench, percussion cap container and an original Colt Industries historian letter dated July 15, 1981.
Our Assessment: The Colt historian letter identifies this revolver by serial number 50840 as a Colt 1862 Pocket Navy Limited Edition in .36 caliber with a 5 1/2" barrel and one-piece walnut stock. It documents the Colt blue/color case-hardened finish with silver-plated backstrap and trigger guard, the black wood presentation case, and the accompanying powder flask, bullet mold, nipple wrench and cap container. The revolver was shipped to Ashland Shooting Supplies of Ashland, Ohio on November 18, 1980. Most importantly, the letter identifies this as a special 1 of 500 blackpowder package. The documented configuration corresponds with Colt's 1-of-500 Pocket Navy Limited Edition, which was supplied as a cased F-Series set with the complete accessory assortment.
The Colt letter also states that the original package included a first-edition brass belt buckle with a special black background. The belt is no longer with this revolver. This is otherwise a very attractive example of Colt's Second Generation Model 1862 Pocket Navy, retaining its matching presentation case, loading accessories and especially desirable factory documentation. The cased 1-of-500 configuration is substantially more collectible than a standard loose Second Generation Pocket Navy and makes for an appealing Colt black powder collector's set.
