Lot 1134

Colt "Baby Paterson" Improved No. 1 Pocket (Elhers Fourth Model)

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Colt "Baby Paterson" Improved No. 1 Pocket (Elhers Fourth Model)

Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000

Starting Bid: $20,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Colt "Baby Paterson" Improved No. 1 Pocket (Elhers Fourth Model) Percussion Revolver This "Baby Paterson" was originally manufactured by Colt in 1837-1838 in Paterson, New Jersey, and was later "improved" and sold by former Patent Arms Manufacturing Co. secretary and treasurer John Ehlers in the 1840s after the company failed. This pistol has a short barrel marked with the "-Patent Arms Paterson N-J Colt's Pt-" on top. As an Ehlers Model, the marking correctly lacks the "M'g Co" and has a space where the marking was removed from the die. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the centaur scene and "COLT" four horsehead motif. The hammer has coarse knurling on the spur. Serial number "335" marked on the loading lever, the frame below the unnumbered cylinder, grip under the back strap, and right side of the grip straps. The wedge and barrel are both unnumbered. The revolver features improvements over the standard Patersons that were later seen on Colt's revolvers, including a capping cutout, loading lever, and rounded back cylinder rotated by a hand and ratchet. These scarce revolvers helped maintain interest in and satiate some of the demand for Colt's revolvers between the failure of the company in New Jersey, and its rebirth in Connecticut in 1847. Colt's pocket revolvers were his most popular products and remain popular with collectors today.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Paterson

BBL: 3 inch octagon

Gauge: .28

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number335

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good with 30% original blue finish on the frame, gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation and pitting, and general mild overall wear. The cylinder scene and barrel marking are faint but identifiable. The grip is very good with moderate handling wear, traces of original finish, small chips at the edges, and attractive figure. The timing and lock-up are a little off, but the revolver otherwise functions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000